Zamyotov
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Looking to augment my entry level system.
Zamyotov
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No idea where to begin*

JIMV
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I can recommend the Ortofon 2M red or blue...they sound really good. For better cables, I would recommend you try the Cable Company's Used cable outlet. You can get a much better cable for the buck there and the company is very reliable

http://www.usedcable.com/

Zamyotov
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Would a Denon DL 103 work with my set up? I hear really great things about this cartridge.

jackfish
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If the platter mat you are seeking is thicker than the original and the new cartridge you select is taller than the Ortofon OM5 then you are likely to have vertical tracking angle problems. And unfortunately the Pro-Ject Debut III does not have adjustable VTA. I would consider getting an LP Gear Shibata replacement stylus for the Ortofon OM40 for $200.  This will replace the stylus on your stock Ortofon OM5. In addition, I would put a Pro-Ject Acryl-it ($130) platter on it and forget about a platter mat. Those two things are likely to be the most cost effective and sound improvement upgrade you could make. I realize those suggestions are over your stated budget so you could also go with the LP Gear replacement stylus for the Ortofon OM30 for $130 or forego the Acryl-it.

The Denon DL-103 ($200) is a low output moving coil cartridge which weighs 8.5 grams. You would need a MC phono stage (PM5004 is MM only) and probably a heavier tonearm counterbalance weight. The Denon DL-110 is cheaper ($130), is a high output moving coil compatible with MM phono stages, would not require a different counterbalance, and also gets high praise.

Blue Jean Cables are a viable option.

deckeda
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jackfish has provided a lot to think about. Your earlier thread, concering the hiss you were hearing---did you fix it, give up on it, hoping a new cart will fix things?

I remember the OM5 from workiing in hifi years ago. It's a decent starter cart, not a great thing, but not junk and prone to exacerbating "hiss" if that's what you're thinking here.

For better sound I nevertheless understand the desire to do better than an OM5 however. At the time I recall the OM10 really being not much better but the OM20 was where things began to smooth out, so if a new stylus would bring an OM5 body up to those levels? then I agree it's a viable option for you.

But I wonder if ensuring a solid mount for the turntable such as a wall mount or good stand, if you don't already have one, might be a first step so that you can better hear whatever differences a new cart brings.

Zamyotov
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Jackflash, thanks for the help in both threads, and without an adjustable VTA what exactly would I be limited to for cartridges? 

Would the ortofon blue not fit? And would this fit? http://shop.mapleshadestore.com/Soundsmith-SMMC4-Phono-Cartridge-stereo_acylic-body/productinfo/SMMC4-ST/

And will simply upgrading the stylus do the same things for my system that a new cartridge will? Or that I'm hoping it will. 

jackfish
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Zamyotov wrote:

...without an adjustable VTA what exactly would I be limited to for cartridges?

Most cartridges are close in height from where they rest under the headshell to the stylus tip.  One can actually shim the tonearm support on a Debut III to raise the tonearm.  Probably not a problem with most of the cartridges you have been considering. 

Zamyotov wrote:

Would the ortofon blue not fit? And would this fit? http://shop.mapleshadestore.com/Soundsmith-SMMC4-Phono-Cartridge-stereo_acylic-body/productinfo/SMMC4-ST/

Both are likely to work although they are over 6 grams so you will likely need the 75g tonearm counterweight.

Zamyotov wrote:

And will simply upgrading the stylus do the same things for my system that a new cartridge will?

I'd personally just replace the stylus on the OM5 with the LP Gear Shibata stylus for Ortofon OM-40 for $199.  The 2M Blue and the OM40 have different sounds, but both are rather good. I'd give the edge to the OM5 body with the LP Gear OM40 replacement stylus.

JIMV
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I can stongly recommend the ortofon 2M Blue...it sounds much better in my systen than the OM10 my table came with.

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