Recently, I rediscovered the joy of analog audio by bringing a vintage Pioneer PL-A45D turntable back to life. Inherited from my late father-in-law, this turntable was in need of some care. My restoration process involved replacing the drive belt, meticulously cleaning off old belt residue from the platter, lubricating the motor spindle, and installing a brand new Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. After setup, I confirmed the platter spun smoothly and the tonearm was free of any unwanted play.
My current audio setup includes a Parasound P5 preamp, an Acoustat TNT-120 amplifier, and Alon Model IV speakers. Alongside the turntable, I use a Mac Mini as a digital source, playing Redbook rips and high-resolution audio files via iTunes through the P5’s internal DAC.
I must admit, I’m thoroughly enjoying listening to both digital and analog sources. Reviving the Pioneer PL-A45D has been an ear-opening experience, reminding me just how captivating vinyl records can sound. I was particularly impressed by a John Renbourn recording, where the interplay of guitar, percussion, and wind instruments truly came alive. The percussion, in particular, had a striking presence and vibrancy. Of course, I also appreciate the exceptional quality of my digital files.
This experience has sparked my curiosity about the full potential of vinyl playback. It leads me to wonder, how much more sonic detail and enjoyment could be extracted from vinyl, and what steps would be necessary to achieve it? Is this simply a case of upgrade-itis kicking in, or are there genuine improvements to be gained? Specifically, would transitioning to a more modern turntable result in a significant leap in audio quality, or would the enhancements be more subtle?
Understanding that budget is a key factor, let’s assume a spending limit of around $1500 to $2000 for turntable upgrades. Within this range, would the optimal strategy be to invest the entire budget in a new turntable, initially using my existing Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge? If pursuing a new turntable is advisable, should I consider a vintage model or opt for a contemporary design? Or perhaps, am I already on the verge of falling down the upgrade rabbit hole, and should I simply continue to appreciate the sound I’m currently achieving with my Pioneer PL-A45D?
While I am also considering addressing the age of my Acoustat amplifier – possibly through replacement or by having it recapped and upgraded by a former employee – my primary focus here is solely on the analog front end and potential turntable upgrades.
To gather a wider range of perspectives, I plan to share this query on several audio forums frequented by experienced vinyl enthusiasts. Therefore, if you encounter this question elsewhere online, it is indeed the same inquiry.
