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Does the turntable still make a huge difference in a vinyl setup? [message #99908]

Tue, 10 November 2026 12:01

Cole
Messages: 36
Registered: December 2025

Baron

I would like to know if the turntable still makes the biggest difference in a vinyl setup. You know, I've seen a lot of people say that the turntable itself is the most important component in the setup while others claim that the phono stage and cartridge got a bigger say in how the final sound turns out.

Let's say someone is using a good Technics SL-1200GR2 with an Audio-Technica VM540ML cartridge, do you think upgrading the phono stage make a more noticeable difference instead of getting an expensive turntable?

I am also putting into consideration that some of this might be down to what someone likes to upgrade first. You know some would want settings while other would want as much detail as necessary.

So, what is that component that you upgraded in your vinyl record that made a big difference? Was it down to personal choice or what was required to change at the time?

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Re: Does the turntable still make a huge difference in a vinyl setup? [message #99914 is a reply to message #99908]

Thu, 12 November 2026 18:57

Rusty
Messages: 1477
Registered: May 2018
Location: Kansas City Missouri

Illuminati (4th Degree)

If you have the two items mentioned you're really well set. For me it was a turntable that kept the speed constant with no pitch variation. A Technics 1200 MK6 did it for me. I have several MM, an MI and an HOMC and LOMC cartridges. I don't find their subtle differences critical.
I've found for me that a good line stage preamp is more an improvement in the sound than the few phono preamps I've used. And lastly, the loudspeaker is the most important. High sensitivity from this website was the end of my wanderlust.

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Re: Does the turntable still make a huge difference in a vinyl setup? [message #99917 is a reply to message #99914]

Sat, 14 November 2026 19:49

gofar99
Messages: 2061
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona

Illuminati (5th Degree)

Your turntable and cartridge should be fine. As for what is next. IMO speakers. They are the next "weak ink" in the system. The stuff in between is certainly important but the two ends of the system are the ones that will most effect the sound. Both are transducers and subject to all the umpteen tolerances that such devices are prone to. Unlike Rusty I do find that cartridges sound different. Ideally they should all reproduce what is on a LP equally.But I don't hear that in reality. The difference in sound between my Dynavector Ruby Karat 23 MR-RS (a low output moving coil) and my Grado Sonata II (a fairly high output moving iron - much like a moving magnet) is substantial. Both are really nice but have what I would call a different flavor. The DV is very articulate and high energy, the Grado more mellow. The gear in between is important and the one that can cause the next most issues is the phono preamp. It needs to be really quiet and follow the RIAA curve accurately. Current line stage and power amps are pretty good now and nearly any of them can cause fewer sonic anomalies that than the phono preamp. One thing I believe to be important is that all the parts must work in synergy. Back to the original question. I would opt for a good turntable first and cartridge second. Mostly because it is easy to upgrade the cartridge but not the turntable.

Good Listening
Bruce

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Re: Does the turntable still make a huge difference in a vinyl setup? [message #99919 is a reply to message #99917]

Sun, 15 November 2026 11:27

Wayne Parham
Messages: 19107
Registered: January 2001

Illuminati (33rd Degree)

I absolutely love that setup. The SL-1200 has been favorite turntable of mine for a long time. I'm running a Rega now but had an SL-1200 for years and loved it. Similarly, the Audio-Technica AT20 cartridge is one of my favorites too. Still have a couple of those.

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