Upgraditis

[clpetersen]

Thanks Glenn, Tony, Stephen, Maks, Ivan, all -

I had not considered a passive step-up transformer - 'SUT', did not know they existed - in your expert opinions:

Mid-level MC cartridge + SUT + MM stage > High Level MM cartridge + MM stage ?

(not trying to be cost equal, just not exotic MC cartridges)

[Formerly YB-2]

Unfortunately, the answer is not that simple and it "all depends" (which SUT, which cartridge, etc.).
All this said, I think you have plenty of room left with your EAT & Bryston. Try the Ortofon 2M Black LVB as a significant step-up from the Bronze.
For a different flavor, try the Audio-Technica VM740ML. I'm very pleased with my VM540ML.
A couple of other areas that could help are the WireWorld Platinum IC (which I use - again, talk to Ivan) between your TA & Bryston and an HRS base to go under your TT.
If you decide to go the MC route, an HO model will work fine with what you've got and any or all of these upgrades. For a an LO model, adding a SUT will get you there.
As you get to these "better" cartridges, the alignment becomes more critical for optimum results due to their stylus designs (micro-line, Geiger, etc.).

[Maks]

Agreed, things can get complicated pretty quickly when you enter the world of LOMC and SUTs. The OP already has what appears to be a very nice TT, let's be honest I'm not sure how much of a huge step up he'd get from a VPI Prime (I own 2 VPI TTs so this is not a slight on VPI by any means). I moved up from a 2M Black to a Soundsmith Paua and was blown away, depending on budget I would likely go the MC route and then maybe down the line decide if a different turntable makes sense, or going direct drive over belt.

They're not cheap and don't claim to be, but Bob's Devices makes some great SUTs and he's super helpful if you don't know what you need. There's a user on EBay named nclayton who also makes highly regarded SUTs that are a bit more affordable.

That's part of the fun w/analog, there are so many moving parts (literally and figuratively) that you can make tweaks as you see fit. IMO jumping from the 2M Bronze into the MC world will be your biggest improvement, but I know a lot of you guys have more experience than I do in that world.

[clpetersen]

Thanks again. The 2M Black LVB cartridge seems like an excellent first step since I would keep the EAT turntable in any case. I did move up to WW Eclipse 7 IC purchased here on the AA marketplace (Yamaki, perfect transaction).

Have to say, analog is more rewarding than digital, though the learning curve is bit steep at times.

[Formerly YB-2]

The nice thing about making the upgrades is you can do one-at-a-time to evaluate the improvement from one upgrade to the next.

Also, reading some of the reviewers info can be an enjoyable way to learn. HReichert's lastest in Stereophile cover's a couple of cartridges, pre-amps (of a non-standard genre) and and comments on SUTs. While we all have our preferences, I find HReichert, MFremer, SGuttenburg & ADudley (may he RIP) to be both informative & entertaining when disucssing vinyl.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by clpetersen

Thanks again. The 2M Black LVB cartridge seems like an excellent first step since I would keep the EAT turntable in any case. I did move up to WW Eclipse 7 IC purchased here on the AA marketplace (Yamaki, perfect transaction).

Have to say, analog is more rewarding than digital, though the learning curve is bit steep at times.

You’re always welcome to make a short visit to me; I’m still on the Cape.

I have 4 analog rigs all setup, ready to demo.

[clpetersen]

Thanks Ivan!

[miner]

Originally Posted by clpetersen

Thanks all. The Technics is intriguing - I will check it out carefully. Certainly iconic.

Does the new Technics have the molded plastic plinth they used in the ‘70s?

[Famester V1]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

That's the one....absolutely.

That is what I have.
With a Lyra Delos and a TEA2SE phono stage.
Will be auditioning a Lampizator phono stage and a CJ TEA1b shortly.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by miner

Does the new Technics have the molded plastic plinth they used in the ‘70s?

Like Wilson speaker cabinets, it is made from proprietary materials designed for the specific use.