Several TT related questions

[admin_exported]

I currently have a Pro-ject Debut III playing through the Kandy K2. It's not my main source but I do have occasional Record days and I am hoping to further my Vinyl collection. For the amount of vinyl play I do the Pro-ject is adequate, in as much as it doesn't have the same amount of slam(?) as I achieve with CD playback but it's OK for late night listening.

First questions - How can I improve the overall sound, do I upgrade the cartridge(currently Ortofon OM5E) and if so what would be a reasonable suggestion and what would the expected differences. Also would I have to ask a dealer to change the cartridge or is it simply a case of unplug the outgoing and plug in the new one.

I understand the Pro-ject is a fairly basic TT and therefore an upgrade may not be the way to go therefore second questions - A new TT? (Second hand considered and a likely way ahead) with an budget of £500 as an absolute maximum. Really looking for a few suggestions and what I can expect, soundwise, for the extra outlay. (I'm sure the Pro-ject cost about £160, just over 3 years ago).

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[oldleodensian]

Trap6: First questions - How can I improve the overall sound, do I upgrade the cartridge(currently Ortofon OM5E) and if so what would be a reasonable suggestion and what would the expected differences. Also would I have to ask a dealer to change the cartridge or is it simply a case of unplug the outgoing and plug in the new one.

I understand the Pro-ject is a fairly basic TT and therefore an upgrade may not be the way to go therefore second questions - A new TT? (Second hand considered and a likely way ahead) with an budget of £500 as an absolute maximum. Really looking for a few suggestions and what I can expect, soundwise, for the extra outlay. (I'm sure the Pro-ject cost about £160, just over 3 years ago).

You could upgrade the stylus to an OM10 for about £40, simply take off the OM5 and pop on the OM10. Changing a cartridge is more complicated.

The Pro-ject Xpression has a superior tonearm and will sound much better than the Debut, even with the same cartridge. I had a Debut, then bought the Xpression with the factory fitted OM10. Far superior sound from the Xpression and the tonearm will suit future upgrades (the Xpression III was supplied with the Ortofon 2M red until recently).

The Xpression III retails at about £400, but the previous Xpression models come up on auction sites regularly, for about £100 to £200. The Xpression II is better than the original Xpression, as it has gold-plated RCA sockets, instead of encapsulated leads, like the original Xpression (and the Debut).

 

[fatboyslimfast]

For a quick upgrade, oldleodensian has hit the nail on the head with the OM10 stylus - just make sure you get a genuine Ortofon rather than a generic stylus though.

Answering your £500 question, I would suggest a Systemdek IIX or Linn Axis (or a Manticore Mantra - if you can find one) - both normally end up around £200-250 for a good one, which would give you plenty of cash for a new cartridge. Condition is all with these decks - if it looks cared for, the chances are it is.

I would replace the cartridge as a matter of course on any 2nd hand deck. £150 buys you an Audio Technica AT-440ML or a Denon DL-160. The former has an extremely detailed and slightly forward sound, whereas the latter is similarly detailed but more neutral tone-wise.

Voila - a damn fine record player for £350-400!

You should be looking at far more detail, better timing, purer notes (in the case of Piano etc) and much more "air" around instruments.

 

[Anonymous]

Brilliant guys, this is the sort of info I was looking for.

 

[Anonymous]

Update - Several days after my last post a Systemdek IIx900 private sale advert appeared in my local paper. I viewed/listened to said deck everything seemed OK so I bought. I've changed the cartridge from the AT 95E that was fitted (and sounded very nice) to a Denon DL110. The Denon has now had it's recommended 'burn in' time and the whole thing is sounding absolutey brilliant. Many thanks to the OP's for their advice - it's certainly a route I would now recommend.

Anyone know any good 180g records?

 

[Anonymous]

Muddy Waters - Folk Singer on Classic records.

Essential.

Best recording I've got.