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Suggestions for next upgrade

elusive

elusive

AK Subscriber
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Looking for some insight on my next upgrade. I have the following that are in good shape, am wondering what your opinions would be be for a "next step".

TransAudio 1800 with Signet TK3EA cart, worn TKN3EA stylus.

Realistic Lab 400 (converted to manual) with Shure Mx97 cart.

Marantz 1650, no cart

I think the Lab 400 is the best of the bunch. Opinions? I feel that the signet cart has more detail the the shure, but the stylus is worn.

I'm considering a AT440 cart for the Lab 400, but wondering if it is a waste on that deck.

Thanks
 
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Thanks for the info! So, it looks like the Signet on the lab 400 with a newer/better stylus is the way to go.

Safe to assume that I would not gain anything by putting a "better" cartridge on the Lab 400?

IE; the next step from there is a better TT?

Thanks again.
 
Good questions elusive. The answers will have more to do with your personal preferences than anything else though.

There will always be 'better' turntables and cartridges and a fair number of us AK vinyl fanatics end up with a variety of each.

Your Signet and your LAB are both well thought of around here, but what will sound and work best in your system and suit your taste is your call.
 
jimreeves said:
IIRC, several AT stylus assemblies will fit the TK3A body, maybe even the 440MLa?
Lini or Sreten or someone else discussed this a while ago, might be worth a AK google search for Signet.

EDIT: Here's a good one...
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=334298
Click to expand...

I just tried that. The AT440MLa stylus will only fit the TK3Ea body if you trimed the upper edges of the stylus grip. Otherwise it comes about 0.010" from fully engaging due to the plastic mount on the Signet body coming down lower on the sides than the mount on the AT440 body.
I use an AT125LC stylus on a TK3ea and it sounds great. Still under $80 for that needle, a bonded line contact.
 
jimreeves said:
Good questions elusive. The answers will have more to do with your personal preferences than anything else though.

There will always be 'better' turntables and cartridges and a fair number of us AK vinyl fanatics end up with a variety of each.

Your Signet and your LAB are both well thought of around here, but what will sound and work best in your system and suit your taste is your call.
Click to expand...

I listen to mainly rock and metal with a bit of jazz. IE; Clapton, Benatar, Megadeth, George Benson.

I much prefer a clinical system to a warm system. I guess more in your face than background. Soundstage depth is more important than width.

Dale
 
Bauhausler said:
I just tried that. The AT440MLa stylus will only fit the TK3Ea body if you trimed the upper edges of the stylus grip. Otherwise it comes about 0.010" from fully engaging due to the plastic mount on the Signet body coming down lower on the sides than the mount on the AT440 body.
I use an AT125LC stylus on a TK3ea and it sounds great. Still under $80 for that needle, a bonded line contact.
Click to expand...

I saw that thread, great info. I assume no one still has that stylus available, so it's off to the bay.
 
If you enjoy the AT sound, which it appears that you do (Signet, 440, "clinical" vs. warm), why not just go all out and get an AT150MLX? It's a bit pricey but you could always sell your 440 and Signet and recoup some of your cost back. You'll be spending around $75 for a new stylus for the Signet anyway..........

It's another moving magnet so styli will be replaceable. I've never heard anyone speak ill about the 150 either, especially after moving up from a 440. I can't comment on the Signet cart as I've never heard that and know nothing of it's specs.


EDIT- I see that you're looking to purchase a 440, that you don't actually own one. Again, that would be at least $130 you could put toward a nicer cart (the 150).
 
dodog said:
If you enjoy the AT sound, which it appears that you do (Signet, 440, "clinical" vs. warm), why not just go all out and get an AT150MLX? It's a bit pricey but you could always sell your 440 and Signet and recoup some of your cost back. You'll be spending around $75 for a new stylus for the Signet anyway..........

It's another moving magnet so styli will be replaceable. I've never heard anyone speak ill about the 150 either, especially after moving up from a 440. I can't comment on the Signet cart as I've never heard that and know nothing of it's specs.


EDIT- I see that you're looking to purchase a 440, that you don't actually own one. Again, that would be at least $130 you could put toward a nicer cart (the 150).
Click to expand...

I had thought about going that route - but figure I would not get the performance out of that cart in any of my current decks. Of course, then I would have a reason to get a new table... :D

Since I just recently started listening to vinyl again, I'm sure to venture rapidly down the slippery slope.
 
The 440 is a nice cart but it left me wanting. The good thing is that the prices fluctuate wildly on that cart and checking Amazon can get you a sub $125 cart. Hard to beat for that type of money. You'll be happy with a 440 though. It's not as bad as people say just very "clinical" and a little bit picky about proper setup. Be warned, though, you'll need to get CLEAN records to reap the benefits of it's stylus.
 
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