I'm planning on upgrading TT and cart (either MM or MC) My budget is $1500-3000 any help is appreciated
first thing to decide is, there are basically 2 styles of table
suspended, Lighter, more airy sound, Much harder to set up IMHO, as the plinth is always moving, Imagine trying to set tracking weight or vta on something moving, often need adjustments
solid bass tables or non suspended, better bottom end, Easier to set up, and typically set and forget
There are several good tables in either but since you have a project i will concentrate on the latter mentioned above
With some diligence on your part you will find one of these in your price range, they are all pretty comparable to each other and definite step ups from your current
I would watch for a
VPI used on audiogon, audio asylum and here of course
I wont recommend the scout but they have a very good reputation, I would however recommend either the VPI Aries (any version), or TNT version 3 and up. all of these should include a JMW tonearm (right now there is a scout on audio asylum)
The biggest gain will be cartridge, I would suggest MC they are simply better, if your pre offers mm or mc great if not You will need a step up, being new to this i would suggest staying away from SUT (step up transformers) and look for a well reviewed Phono pre that has mc option
as for cart a superb budget cart is the denon dl103, (my favorite cartridge maker was lyra, but pricey)
Looks like you have HD-800 & HD-650 ??
MY set up is computer to Schiit Uber Bifrost dac, to my ampsandsound SE84 amp, to my Senn Hd-650 I'm loving music all over again