• 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

Upgrading turntable advice between these ones....

P

Pupharleycow

New Member
I am upgrading my old turntable and passing it along to a friend. I am looking at the Audio Technica AT-LP7 or the Technics SL-1500C. Then there's also the Audio Technica AT-LP5X.

There is quite a price difference between the two. The Technics comes with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. The AT comes with the VM520EB Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks, Maine
 
Register to hide this ad
Both will have their merits, but I suspect the SL-1500C is more robust.... it's value however, is debatable at current new prices. End performance is heavily impacted by the cart/stylus and phono stage, and is always subjective. I'd swap the Red stylus for the Blue (or darker!).

With the AT, I'd swap the 520EB stylus for at least a VMN530EN stylus, but the the VMN540ML is a more significant upgrade.
 
Last edited:
I don't know that any of those decks would be a dramatic upgrade from the Lab 440. I highly doubt the either of those ATs will do anything much better than the Realistic Lab 440, and while the Technics may, I suspect it is more of a latteral move.
Is there something particular you are dissatisfied with in the Lab440? I would consider looking at a different cartridge before going on the hunt for a new turntable.
Here are some reviews of the Technics from the fellas over at Vinyl Engine:
Hope this helps.
 
Pupharleycow said:
It's a Realistic Lab 440 I bought new when I was in high school. I think it's about time. LOL.
Click to expand...

If it's working well, I wouldn't switch it for one of your current choices. The VM95SH is no slouch, but perhaps a cart upgrade, and/or a phono stage upgrade would have more impact. AT-VM540ML, Nagaoka MP200 are a couple of logical choices.

I'd also strongly suggest better isolation feet, or an isolation platform.
 
I was thinking the Nagaoka MP 200 as well, although I have never heard th AT vm 95 SH, but the MP 200 is a very good cart. I was also wondering about a possible speaker upgrade. Depending of course on what the OP currently has.
 
chaz said:
I was thinking the Nagaoka MP 200 as well, although I have never heard th AT vm 95 SH, but the MP 200 is a very good cart. I was also wondering about a possible speaker upgrade. Depending of course on what the OP currently has.
Click to expand...

I have the VM95SH and the MP150 with a JN-P500 stylus. The VM95SH is very well behaved, musical, and respectable cart. Which you likr best is always subjective, but it doesn't have the quite the resolution of the MP150, and certainly not the MP200 with that boron cantilever.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom