Billich0986 Posted December 25, 2014 Share Posted December 25, 2014 Hi all! I've been doing an extensive amount of researching on upgrading my setup and my biggest concern has become creating a bottleneck in the setup. With that said, I have two Technics SL1200's, running through a Pioneer DJM-400 mixer, connected to two Rokit 5's (I mix as a hobby). I was considering buying a new cartridge for listening purposes, but read that the stock tone arms on the 1200's aren't anything to write home about. So I didn't want to invest in a $300 cartridge if I'm not going to notice much of a difference. Then I looked into upgrading the tone arms. I found that some of the tone arms being recommend cost more than I paid for both of the tables together (specifically the SME 309). Is there an affordable option (say $200-$300?) out there for this? Even if I upgraded the cartridge and tone arms, I'm unsure if these upgrades would be negated by the fact that I'm running through a DJ mixer and Rokit 5 monitors. I was thinking about buying a solid preamp and bypassing the mixer for when I just want to listen. Or upgrading my mixer to an Allen & Heath Xone 92, since I want to upgrade that inevitably anyways. So my question is, where do I start in the upgrade process? Sorry for the long post, but appreciate any advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trott3r Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 Do you have any dealers near you that specialise in technics upgrades? In the UK there are a few that advertise in hifi magazines so check the magazines in your locale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 The tonearm is the most expensive part of the turntable, usually. They're always more expensive separately than with a table. I'd just sell your tables, and buy a new one. Slowly start upgrading piece by piece. I will say, new cartridge will change your sound. Not so great tonearms won't completely negate that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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