[Zogmorton]

I have a 1980s-vintage Harman Kardon t-45 turntable with an Ortofon OM20
cartridge. It works well and sounds good--I might like to get some more
dynamic range out of the records, but basically I like it, and could
continue to use this without problem. But I am curious about advances in
turntable technology in the past 20+ years. So here's my question: at
what price level would I hear an unmistakable improvement in the sound
of my records by replacing the turntable? Would the low-end of new
"audiophile" turntables (bottom-of the-line Goldring or Music Hall,
etc.) be distinctly better than the good old HK, or should I save up for
something higher up the price ladder? Details of just what sorts of
improvements I'd expect, and recommendations of particular units will be
appreciated--as you know, it isn't very practical to audition a bunch of
turntables these days.

[MD]

Zogmorton wrote:

I have a 1980s-vintage Harman Kardon t-45 turntable with an Ortofon OM20
cartridge. It works well and sounds good--I might like to get some more
dynamic range out of the records, but basically I like it, and could
continue to use this without problem. But I am curious about advances in
turntable technology in the past 20+ years. So here's my question: at
what price level would I hear an unmistakable improvement in the sound
of my records by replacing the turntable? Would the low-end of new
"audiophile" turntables (bottom-of the-line Goldring or Music Hall,
etc.) be distinctly better than the good old HK, or should I save up for
something higher up the price ladder? Details of just what sorts of
improvements I'd expect, and recommendations of particular units will be
appreciated--as you know, it isn't very practical to audition a bunch of
turntables these days.
Given that table - and this is not a crack - you won't have to spend
much. Most of the high end tables under $800 will be a huge leap as
will the bargain units under $500. Also there are many older used
brands you can find and tweak - in the same ranges - and you will do
better. If the cartridge isn't too old keep it. While the table/arm
can be noticeably improved for a small amount you will have to spend a
bunch more for huge jump in improvement over that cartridge. (If you
replace the stylus get the one for the OM-30. OM-10 through OM-30 use
the same cartridges - its the stylus that improves)

[Jenn]

In article zogmo-FCF9B8.09475316092006@localhost,
Zogmorton wrote:

I have a 1980s-vintage Harman Kardon t-45 turntable with an Ortofon OM20
cartridge. It works well and sounds good--I might like to get some more
dynamic range out of the records, but basically I like it, and could
continue to use this without problem. But I am curious about advances in
turntable technology in the past 20+ years. So here's my question: at
what price level would I hear an unmistakable improvement in the sound
of my records by replacing the turntable? Would the low-end of new
"audiophile" turntables (bottom-of the-line Goldring or Music Hall,
etc.) be distinctly better than the good old HK, or should I save up for
something higher up the price ladder? Details of just what sorts of
improvements I'd expect, and recommendations of particular units will be
appreciated--as you know, it isn't very practical to audition a bunch of
turntables these days.

I don't know the sound of the HK, but I can tell you that in my opinion
and based on extensive recent listening, the lower end Goldring, Music
Hall, and Pro-ject tables are very good sounding units. I purchased a
slightly more expensive TT/arm/cartridge combo (about $1000) but beyond
that price point, one has to spend considerably more money to get better
LP sound.

Good luck with your purchase decision!