Next logical Upgrade?

So I’m at a crossroad. I’ve had a Project Debut Carbon Espirit for the last 6 years. I’ve made some upgrades all around my phono stage. Swapped the Ortofon red out to the blue (about done with my second blue stylus). Upgraded my phono pre amp. Upgraded my tone arm cable and phono interconnects.

I’d like a change…I thought a fire engine red table was fun. Now I’m drawn to other styles and darker colors. Then again I’m pretty pleased with this table. It’s got some late night mileage on it though!

Any thoughts swapping the cartridge out for a MC? Maybe an Ortofon Quintet or a Sumiko Blue Point no 3?

Or just say f’ it and try a different brand TT like ClearAudio or a newer Thorens model like the TD102A. Not looking to break the bank or dive into the world of $2k turntables.

Open to suggestions!

February 2, 2022 - 8:09pm

manunkind

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Last seen: 3 weeks 2 days ago

Joined: Apr 27 2019 - 7:27am

I'm curious about what path

I'm curious about what path you'll end up taking. After investing into upgrades one one get attached to the turntable...

I have a Rega RP1- I changed the harness, and running it with Nagaoka MP150. With my current setup, I feel that this basic tt is the limiting factor.

When I was looking for speakers I was able to audition Gold Note (giglio? The model sounded something like that) and VPI Classic. While both were outside my price range, they are often available used in the classifieds. Gold Note sounded very, very good- it also looked amazing, but it had a Koetsu cartridge installed that was priced as much or more than the turntable itself. VPI had a Grado Sonata (if i remember correctly) and now i have a bee in my bonnet.

Still searching, will be watching your post.

February 3, 2022 - 7:38pm

Dorsia777

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Joined: Mar 14 2019 - 9:14am

Hey Manunkind!

Such a small world. I literally almost bought your TT bc my dealer was crazy about that model. He said for the price buy this…you’ll wear out your stylus and do a cartridge upgrade and it will play way above its price! He was so obsessed with the build quality of the tonearm at that price range. The only reason I didn’t was bc I was more familiar w the Debut Carbons.

I’ll keep you in the loop. I actually just swapped my current phono pre a Vincent Pho8 with my older phono pre a Musical Fidelity V90 LPS just for fun. I’m surprised to say that with my newer Kimber Kable Hero interconnects and Kimber Kable TAC-CU lets the MF sounded way less rounded and more articulate than the Vincent which I wasn’t expecting. Oh well….that doesn’t mean my itch to upgrade has lessened though…now I’m more curious lol

Btw I’m a huge fan of VPI. I’ve never seen a Gold Note in person. That must have been glorious!

February 4, 2022 - 5:56am

manunkind

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Joined: Apr 27 2019 - 7:27am

Rega RP1 is an excellent turntable- especially with a good cartridge like Nagaoka (the cartridge it came with was rather dull). My problem with Rega is that they don't have a conventional ground cable- somehow they ground it via one of the RCA interconnects, and no matter what I do it seems to pick up humm. I shielded the whole cable with metal sheathing, and then grounded that- it helped to remove nearly all the humm; but still a little remains. Can't hear it unless you play it very loud. Other than that- the TT is very much like Debut Carbon, barebone and well-built.

VPI and Gold note both make some very expensive turntables, but I saw VPI Scout for about $2400 gently used. Gold Note classic 1 can be found around that pricepoint as well.

Good luck!

February 21, 2022 - 6:18pm

Dorsia777

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Last seen: 1 week 7 hours ago

Joined: Mar 14 2019 - 9:14am

My Debut Espirit tapped out

So I’ve been having some intermittent flutter along with issues with my connections to my cartridge. It’s been going on for about a year with a few services.

Last night the one channel went out and at this point I’m ready to move on to a different table. My budget is under $1400.

I’m currently looking at the Pro-Ject X1. Definitely interested in the Gold Note Valore as well. Again, I’d love a VPI or a ClearAudio but trying to stick to this budget. I hear a lot about MoFi but I’m not compelled for some reason by that brand.

February 21, 2022 - 7:19pm

manunkind

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Joined: Apr 27 2019 - 7:27am

Good luck!

If you wait patiently you can grab a used VPI Scout for $1500, but now that you have no turntable that might not be an option... Rega RP6 can be grabbed for 1200 or so, and it is supposed to be a very solid record player.

November 21, 2022 - 7:27pm

Dorsia777

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Joined: Mar 14 2019 - 9:14am

Long term update!

It’s funny what you learn over the course of almost a year in this weird hobby. My Pro-Ject DCE tapped last Feb. My local shop near me and its owner advised me to look for another table and recommended the X1. I bought one and it’s really really terrific. Zero regrets and the configurations for an upgrade are what sold me the fastest (apparently going MC or other high end options were out the window w my old DCE TT as there were zero VTA and Azimuth mods). I didn’t realize how much flutter I was “ tolerating” before this and how much more it reallly dives more into the mid bass as well as the low end. I’m digging the Olympica Cartridge by Sumiko as well!

Any recommendations out there for an excellent Phono Stage? Normal person prices please….Not $5000 phono pre amp recommendations. Sub $1,500 and under.

November 22, 2022 - 4:15am

manunkind

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Joined: Apr 27 2019 - 7:27am

Technics SL1200GR

Sorry to hear about the demose of your Turntable.
About six month ago I got rid of my Rega and got adirect drive Technics SL1200- GR version, i.e. non-DJ. It cost me exactly $1400. It did not include a cartridge though, and I went with a MM cartridgeHana EL. I love it. Far exceeded all my expectations.

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