• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Should I upgrade my table or replace it?

malden said:
We are now 139 posts into this thread. You have been given some solid advice yet you still haven't resolved the issue.
Click to expand...

The issue will be resolved soon enough. I bought a new stylus and it did indeed improve the sound. In fact if you read my summary on the matter again I even recommend the M44E to people as a second cartridge. My only concern was the distortion that can be heard In most new age pop tracks (witch doesn't matter much to me because I mainly listen to Rock, Jazz, and old school pop).

I am certainly not made of money, but soon I will have a competent table and your imporoved N44 stylus and we'll see where that gets us.
 
Guys... guys... nobody here is wrong. Just different paths. It's all good and we are here for the enjoyment of music and gear.
 
sqlsavior said:
Maybe it's the camera, with a wide-angle lens, distorting the picture, but your headshell and cartridge seem tilted, toward the rim of the platter, rather than vertical. You may want to get a headshell with azimuth adjustment capability.
Click to expand...

I noticed this a while back. The tone arm is a little crooked. Just another reason to get a better table.
 
For what it is worth I have two Dl D202's, one was 50 bucks this summer with no cart the other I paid 130 for with a Stanton Craze and new stylus on it. Stuck a new Ortofon 2Mred on the one missing the cart.
Both tables are rock solid at 33.3 rpm and are silent. What more could you ask for little investment.
 
Yeah I certainly don't think $130 is too much for a SL-D202 from a retail store. Although not retail, I sold one Jan 16 with a Shure m97 EraIV and new generic stylus for the same amount. It's a good solid turntable. I like them better than the SL-D2.

That Pioneer PL-610 I mentioned previously I think would be something to check out. Looks like it's got a Stanton 681 cartridge on it. You'd have to check out the condition of the isolation boots on the foot springs. There are solutions for replacing them if deteriorated (which I can almost guarantee they will be). Anyway it looks to be in really nice conditoin and the owner says it all works.
 
Rog50 said:
For what it is worth I have two Dl D202's, one was 50 bucks this summer with no cart the other I paid 130 for with a Stanton Craze and new stylus on it. Stuck a new Ortofon 2Mred on the one missing the cart.
Both tables are rock solid at 33.3 rpm and are silent. What more could you ask for little investment.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't say I'm completely against getting the SL D202. I'm not sure If you have much experience with the SL 1200, but how much of a sound difference would their be if any. I have 130 bones ready to go but I think I'll sit on it for a few days, then go back and see if it's still there. If it's not there it simply wasn't meant to be, and as @justjed2 said "better is out there".
 
Van_Isle said:
Oh a SL-1200 will mop the floor with a SL-D202 ... but it isn't $130 either.
Click to expand...

You are certainly right about the price difference that's for sure. If I didn't have this knockoff SL 1200 and I was still rocking the cheapie Denon table I would've already bought the Sl D202. That being said my current setup certainly isn't too bad (thanks to the new stylus) so I'm in no hurry at all. Either I get a really good deal on something or I just save up the $400 to $500 and cop a used SL 1200 off the bay.
 
Any differences between the M44E and the M447 (minus M447 being marketed toward DJs)? The specs seem to be mostly the same.
 
The problem with upgrading is that the "better" your upgraded equipment is the more it will show the weaknesses in your other components. I took the jump and spent about $2K on a turntable and cart. My existing TT before the upgrade was a Thorens TD-160 with a Blue Point #2 MC cart. I have to say the Thorens now sounds like a Sunbeam Mixmaster compared to the Pro-Ject 9.2. I have found this axiom true with the remaining components, especially speakers. I have also come around that electronics that drives all of it has an impact too. Pretty hard for me to admit since I have been repairing electronics my whole life and I thought a lot of it was hype. If I could give some sage advise I would say to anyone who will listen is to carefully build your system. Save for and buy quality equipment. Over the years you will not remember how much you paid for something that continues to deliver superior performance, only it has delivered priceless performance over the years, never outliving its utility.
 
HiFiThor said:
The problem with upgrading is that the "better" your upgraded equipment is the more it will show the weaknesses in your other components. I took the jump and spent about $2K on a turntable and cart. My existing TT before the upgrade was a Thorens TD-160 with a Blue Point #2 MC cart. I have to say the Thorens now sounds like a Sunbeam Mixmaster compared to the Pro-Ject 9.2. I have found this axiom true with the remaining components, especially speakers. I have also come around that electronics that drives all of it has an impact too. Pretty hard for me to admit since I have been repairing electronics my whole life and I thought a lot of it was hype. If I could give some sage advise I would say to anyone who will listen is to carefully build your system. Save for and buy quality equipment. Over the years you will not remember how much you paid for something that continues to deliver superior performance, only it has delivered priceless performance over the years, never outliving its utility.
Click to expand...

Great advice. Rarely does anyone say I bought something too nice for me.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
With a $500 budget for turntable and cartridge .... he probably won't have that much of an issue with the other components in his setup ... although I don't think we know what 'Ace' has for speakers? At least not a problem to the extent that he'd be running out right away to upgrade. True would be nice to ditch the multi-channel AV receiver.

Recent findings on Detroit's craigslist:

Kenwood KD-5070 with a Pickering (looks like the table is sitting on spikes too) $275
Pioneer PL-15D II with a Sony cart $120
Sony PS-552 $250
Marantz 6200 with AT cn5625al $450
Micro Seiki DD-25 with a Stanton cart $300
Sony PS-T22 $70
etc.
 
Van_Isle said:
With a $500 budget for turntable and cartridge .... he probably won't have that much of an issue with the other components in his setup ... although I don't think we know what 'Ace' has for speakers? At least not a problem to the extent that he'd be running out right away to upgrade. True would be nice to ditch the multi-channel AV receiver.

Recent findings on Detroit's craigslist:

Kenwood KD-5070 with a Pickering (looks like the table is sitting on spikes too) $275
Pioneer PL-15D II with a Sony cart $120
Sony PS-552 $250
Marantz 6200 with AT cn5625al $450
Micro Seiki DD-25 with a Stanton cart $300
Sony PS-T22 $70
etc.
Click to expand...

I'm currently using the Bose 501 Series V speakers. My search for a table is over. More on that soon :rockon:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom