When I heard a Debut Carbon in a demo I couldn't believe how fundamentally good that turntable is for $399. There are, however, a few of minor upgrades that could yield significant improvements:
1) Swap out the Ortofon Red stylus for a Blue one. This upgrade takes you from a bonded stylus to a nude elliptical one, which not only has a more direct connection between stylus and cantilever, it weighs less and tracks better. No re-alignment or setup required; just pull out the Red stylus and plug in the Blue. As low as $165.
2) Get a Pro-Ject Speed Box II S. These are $129 and provide more tightly regulated speed control as well as more operating convenience. An LP is a physical analogue of the dynamics of the musical performance. The frequencies and pace are added by rotating and tracking it at 33-1/3 rpm. Therefore, the more accurate the rotation, the more real the playback. $129 is cheap change to move up that ladder.
3) Get some kind of vibration draining and isolating platform. Many of them can get pricey, but I got a massive 3-1/2" thick all maple butcher block cutting board from Overstock.com that made quite a noticeable difference for about $90. The unfinished blocks of maple from Mapleshade are also pretty reasonable. Once you get the platform you can experiment with Vibrapod cones and footers (very inexpensive compared to most such products) and even computer keyboard gel wristpads for further isolation.
2" thick end grain board
18x24x3"d edge grain cutting board
You're also on the right track about a phono stage upgrade. I went to a MAGI Phonomenal all-tube phono last August and I can't believe the difference. When they're done right, especially with passive EQ and minimal negative feedback, they really *do* lower the playback noise. Previously noisy records now sail through playback with a dramatic drop in surface noise, pops, and surface glitches.
1) Swap out the Ortofon Red stylus for a Blue one. This upgrade takes you from a bonded stylus to a nude elliptical one, which not only has a more direct connection between stylus and cantilever, it weighs less and tracks better. No re-alignment or setup required; just pull out the Red stylus and plug in the Blue. As low as $165.
2) Get a Pro-Ject Speed Box II S. These are $129 and provide more tightly regulated speed control as well as more operating convenience. An LP is a physical analogue of the dynamics of the musical performance. The frequencies and pace are added by rotating and tracking it at 33-1/3 rpm. Therefore, the more accurate the rotation, the more real the playback. $129 is cheap change to move up that ladder.
3) Get some kind of vibration draining and isolating platform. Many of them can get pricey, but I got a massive 3-1/2" thick all maple butcher block cutting board from Overstock.com that made quite a noticeable difference for about $90. The unfinished blocks of maple from Mapleshade are also pretty reasonable. Once you get the platform you can experiment with Vibrapod cones and footers (very inexpensive compared to most such products) and even computer keyboard gel wristpads for further isolation.
2" thick end grain board
18x24x3"d edge grain cutting board
You're also on the right track about a phono stage upgrade. I went to a MAGI Phonomenal all-tube phono last August and I can't believe the difference. When they're done right, especially with passive EQ and minimal negative feedback, they really *do* lower the playback noise. Previously noisy records now sail through playback with a dramatic drop in surface noise, pops, and surface glitches.