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God, why did I try my first LP = upgrade

After spend so many years in CDs, I finally decided to give a try on vinyl. I got one of the easiest plug and play Music Hall MMF 2.1 to begin with. None of my tube gears has a phono stage. So I hook it up with my vintage Marantz 2220B (build-in phono stage) and pair up with vintage Technics SB-A33 speakers. Run Nordost Red Dawn speaker cables between amp and speakers. After I tried my first LP, I fall in love with the sound of the music. Don’t know how to describe.
Now the problem comes, what should I do if I need to upgrade (already?). What is the best thing to do if I would like to pair up with my Maggie MG-III?
Currently using Minimax preamp with Exposure 2010 amp to drive Maggie (kind of low power rating but sweet sounding.) What will be the easiest upgrade without spend tons of $$.
Change a better turntable? Add a phono preamp (MM/MC)? Replace preamp with phono stage (tube only)? What is the best site to visit to gain more knowledge on turntable and cartridge?
My other tube gears are not suitable for Maggie but I will pair up my TT only with Maggie.
Your kindly suggestion is highly appreciated.
Thanks a lot for your input.
cibr
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
I would put a recording cleaning machine as a low-to-no priority. Personally, I prefer the Disc Doctor manual system, supplemented by steam cleaning, as needed. When you clean records manually you can focus on the problem areas and get a better cleaning. With a RCM all areas get the same level of treatment.

Dave
cmk
397 posts
 
Take a look at this thread.
cibr OP
11 posts
 
Dear all: Thanks a lot for your great info and emails. Enjoy the music ^_^
cibr OP
11 posts
 
Oh, by the way, what's the suggestion on MM or MC? Thanks
cmk
397 posts
 
For that you'd need to listen to both and see which you like. Some prefer one over the other, some only like one.

For either choice, you need to set aside some of your budget on the cart/phono, and IMO a larger portion for the phono.
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