Recommendations for a $5-7.5k upgrade

[Prof Vinyl]

My current rig is a Basis 2001 turntable with a Hana ML cart, Electrocompaniet ECP-1 phono stage, Macintosh C2200 and MC2102 amplification, and Platinum Audio Reference 1 speakers. My music library includes hundreds of 1950-1965 mono LPs and a couple thousand stereo jazz, rock, classical, and folk LPs. I am leaning towards investing in a second turntable with a mono cart (e.g. Technics 1200G, Ortofon 2M Mono SE and Graham Slee Ascension Phono Pre) to have a dedicated mono vs. the Mac's mono switch. What recommendation would you make to invest $5-7.5K in upgrading this system to improve transparency, dynamics, and sonics?

 

[SaSi]

I would focus on improving the loudspeakers. They make the most impact on what you hear.
If you also want a dedicated turntable for mono records, a Technics SL-1200 (even an MkII) with a mono cart would be a good choice leaving you with at least $6K for a good pair of loudspeakers.

BTW, welcome to AK.

 

[Dswankey]

What recommendation would you make to invest $5-7.5K in upgrading this system to improve transparency, dynamics, and sonics?

I would recommend, if you can, to Demo, Demo and Demo some more considering the amount of money you're willing to spend.

 

[Hoytis]

Agree with SaSi, I would go for new speakers...everything else in your chain is immaculate. I've alway been fascinated by Tannoy Arden speakers.

 

[Old Guy8]

Welcome to AK.
I have no experience with any of your gear you list. I don't play quite in that league.

I do listen to mono jazz on a Grado ME+ elliptical mono cart. At only$150. I get a little hum when Grado gets near spindle on a Lab400 TT. I use with an EAR834 (MM only) clone phono with 12AX7 JJ E83CC tubes. I believe about 48 dbs gain.
No experience with high end or MC carts. If you were inclined toward Grados. Check a Grado hum list, that the TT to be used doesn't cause a "Grado hum." Due to Grados aren't shielded, I believe.
Don't know how that 2M mono SE compares to ME+.
Personally I like Grado Gold2 and ME+ for my jazz.

I have Magnepan 1.7i. Transparent, but need room behind. Ampifier 4 ohm power, room size and shape need to match.and placement critical.

My experience is, it can be about synergy, when the equipment gets to where there aren't any weak links. Tone your ears like.

 

[RunOutGroove]

I might think about a pair of Pure Audio Project speakers. These things are an open baffle design and to my ears sound really incredible. My friend has a pair and I like them better than a pair of newer Tannoy floor standing speakers which also sound very good... but not like the PAP ones. Those speakers just sound incredibly open and 3D...

 

[E-Stat]

Upgrading the tiny speakers.

 

[titanstats]

My current rig is a Basis 2001 turntable with a Hana ML cart, Electrocompaniet ECP-1 phono stage, Macintosh C2200 and MC2102 amplification, and Platinum Audio Reference 1 speakers. My music library includes hundreds of 1950-1965 mono LPs and a couple thousand stereo jazz, rock, classical, and folk LPs. I am leaning towards investing in a second turntable with a mono cart (e.g. Technics 1200G, Ortofon 2M Mono SE and Graham Slee Ascension Phono Pre) to have a dedicated mono vs. the Mac's mono switch. What recommendation would you make to invest $5-7.5K in upgrading this system to improve transparency, dynamics, and sonics?

Speakers. Your gear is good, it should sing with the right (larger) speakers, as a couple of others have said. I'll agree with the mono on Macs lacking something, mono blend through my Revox sounds much better for whatever reason.

 

[SteveJewels]

I would start with the speakers. They are the weakest link.

The Mac tube gear has dynamics but not, to my ears transparency.

Then again, look at my sig.

 

[sturgus]

I don't think your speakers are your weak spot. They were 5 grand when new and got really good reviews. I would add a least a pair of good subs. You still will have enough for a decent mono setup if you go used.

 

[twiiii]

Speakers are always the weakest link in the chain. Theres are pairs of pre-owned Mcintosh XRT 28's on Audio gon that would be a significant up grade. But I would want a MQ 107, too. At least I did for mine.

 

[ev13wt]

You didn't write anything about room treatments you currently are using.

 

[PastorTube]

here is a thought. Most of your mono records were from 50’s and 60’s so why not look at getting a turntable like a Dual or Elac 10 or 50 and fit it with a good mono cart. All this for around $1000.00. They are great tables that very likely have played many of the records you have. Then change out speakers with the remaining money.