Advice on budget turntable replacement

[peterc]

Hi, thank you for taking the time to read this post....
I'm currently using a Project Debut III that is approx 18 years old. Hasn't seen heavy use, but still on the same stock needle and never been serviced.
I've recently replaced my old Rotel amp with a Marantz PM6007 and am now looking to replace my turntable.
My budget is up to £500 and am not precious on make / model / appearance - just interested in quality.
My question is:
Should I replace the existing needle/ cartridge on the project debut III, or
But something like a regar 1 plus (maybe eco) and buy a decent needle / cartridge for it, or
Spend £500 of a turntable with a decent-ish needle on it already?
Really appreciate your advice and recommendations product wise.
FYI, I'm currently driving B&W DM6001 speakers and listen to all types of music (nothing specific).
Thanks again everyone.

 

[Symples]

For the price. I'd put the Pro-ject Carbon Esprit on the short list.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit Phono SB Turntable

Make vinyl part of your Sonos experience when you connect this turntable to Amp, Five or Port. The harmony of Pro-ject's turntable expertise coupled with Sonos' wireless components makes for an awesome listening experience.

petertyson.co.uk

 

[Al ears]

The cheapest option is obviously to keep what you already have.
Replace the drive belt and stick a decent cartridge on the Debut.
Having said that the deal mentioned above is a good one if you are UK based, which I assume you are.
You might even be able to get them to improve it by replacing the Ortofon red stylus with the Blue.

 

[peterc]

For the price. I'd put the Pro-ject Carbon Esprit on the short list.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit Phono SB Turntable

Make vinyl part of your Sonos experience when you connect this turntable to Amp, Five or Port. The harmony of Pro-ject's turntable expertise coupled with Sonos' wireless components makes for an awesome listening experience.

petertyson.co.uk

Thank you for the recommendation. Much appreciated

 

[peterc]

The cheapest option is obviously to keep what you already have.
Replace the drive belt and stick a decent cartridge on the Debut.
Having said that the deal mentioned above is a good one if you are UK based, which I assume you are.
You might even be able to get them to improve it by replacing the Ortofon red stylus with the Blue.

Many thanks. That carbon does look like a great deal. Cheers!

 

[Al ears]

Many thanks. That carbon does look like a great deal. Cheers!

If you go down this route it might be worth spending another £130 or so on the Ortofon 2M Blue stylus and still be within your budget.

 

[Rui]

i think the best you can do is buy the most better cartridge you can about the turntable , the rega is far better but what matters here is the cartridge i saw some good options around or a bit less than 500€, if the turntable still works perfect , you´ll get more sound quality by improving the cartridge , for sure will be better than spend more money on other turntable unless it gives you problems, Pro-Ject are very frail. also the 2m series from Ortofon in my opinion and several people that i know ,only starting on the bronze it gives you aceptable sound as an example i bought recentelly because the price droped a lot the Grado prestige III gold anjd it as a good frequency response and it´s cheaper than the 2m bronze from Ortofon . all other components are or should be good sounding like the speakers and amplifier you have

 

[peterc]

i think the best you can do is buy the most better cartridge you can about the turntable , the rega is far better but what matters here is the cartridge i saw some good options around or a bit less than 500€, if the turntable still works perfect , you´ll get more sound quality by improving the cartridge , for sure will be better than spend more money on other turntable unless it gives you problems, Pro-Ject are very frail. also the 2m series from Ortofon in my opinion and several people that i know ,only starting on the bronze it gives you aceptable sound as an example i bought recentelly because the price droped a lot the Grado prestige III gold anjd it as a good frequency response and it´s cheaper than the 2m bronze from Ortofon . all other components are or should be good sounding like the speakers and amplifier you have

Thank you for the recommendation.

 

[matthewpianist]

The Debut Carbon Esprit would be a good buy and a noticeable uplift on your older Debut. I agree with suggestions to upgrade the 2m Red to Blue - there is a significant difference in performance and the Blue digs much more detail out of the groove.

There is not quality difference between Project and Rega, both produce excellent turntables at all price points.

 

[peterc]

Thank you for your help. Much appreciated.

 

[Al ears]

The Debut Carbon Esprit would be a good buy and a noticeable uplift on your older Debut. I agree with suggestions to upgrade the 2m Red to Blue - there is a significant difference in performance and the Blue digs much more detail out of the groove.

There is not quality difference between Project and Rega, both produce excellent turntables at all price points.

agreed, not sure where certain people get the idea that Project decks are frail, but then he may not be using the right term. Ultimately they tend to be more adaptable than Rega decks.

 

[plastic penguin]

agreed, not sure where certain people get the idea that Project decks are frail, but then he may not be using the right term. Ultimately they tend to be more adaptable than Rega decks.

Always had a soft spot for Pro-ject tables, they are well-built as any price compatible turntables. Very good when it comes cartridge upgrades too.

 

[matthewpianist]

I've owned multiple Rega and Project turntables, and all have been very good at their price points. The best have been the RP3/Elys2/TTPSU and my current Project Classic/2M Blue. Those two decks demonstrate opposing views on engineering, the Rega having a very light plinth and the Project being on the heavy side, but both superb.

 

[plastic penguin]

Maybe I'm trying to teach the OP how to suck eggs, but turntables are built to a budget. Having owned the Xpression 1 and now the Classic, the difference in build quality between the two is quite stark.

 

[camcroft]

Maybe I'm trying to teach the OP how to suck eggs, but turntables are built to a budget. Having owned the Xpression 1 and now the Classic, the difference in build quality between the two is quite stark.

Otherwise every company would just have one model of turntable.

 

[plastic penguin]

Otherwise every company would just have one model of turntable.

True, but there are a few examples that buck the trend, such as the old Technics 1210, Audio Technica... they are all very affordable and well built.