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$2000 turntable system

Been putting it off long enough, but decided it’s time to bite the bullet and take the vinyl plunge. (mixed metaphor alert)
Don’t want to take my usual multiple expensive false steps. The learning curve here looks pretty steep, so I figured to ask you all for some advice. Thinking to spend $2K - 2.5K. Likely to pair it with my PrimaLuna Dialogue HP Integrated and Revel F206s. Might possibly set it up with my Classe SSP-800/ Classe CA5200/ Martin Logan Montis.
What I came up with after a couple of hours of research were:

Rega PL3 turntable $945
Rega TT PSU power supply $395
Rega Exact 2 MM cartridge $595
Parasound Zphono phono stage $199

Total: $2134

Was considering Vincent PHO 8 phono stage $299 and Dynavector 10x5 MC cartridge $650 as alternatives.

Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Leo


leotis
leotis OP
182 posts
 
I feel your pain.
I had probably hundreds of LPs when I was a kid. Pretty much lost or given away over the years. Fortunately I gave the last batch to my brother in law a few years back, so now I can reclaim these at least. Pretty sure all were original pressings from the pre CD era. :)
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
They will put the Hana cart on and adjust everything.
Total package for less that $2K. (Still need a phono pre though)
Congrats on the PolyTable and Hana cartridge. I am sure you’ll love it.
I thought I read in one of your previous posts that you bought the Hana EL, right? That’s the low output version MC.

So the phono stage becomes even more important and just not with its ability to give you 60db of gain to properly drive an LOMC of 0.5mv. It must do it as quietly as possible. There are a lot of entry level MC phono stages out there are pretty noisy (audible hiss at this gain level), so suggest you avoid these. Look for a phono stage that will be utterly quiet at 60db before signal. Your TT/Cartridge deserves it.
leotis OP
182 posts
 
Grabbed Vincent PHO 8. Has a separate power supply contributing to quiet operation. Reviews say it is very quiet.
raymonda
855 posts
 
I'm under going another Thorens TD 150 super mod build that will give most expensive tables a run for their money. My last one was sold to a gentleman who runs a VPI direct drive, which is a great super table and cost upwards of 25,000. He loves his new Thorens and has praised it's sound. this new build will fall close to your price point and will be option for you, if you can wait for the build.

Vist my virtual page for shots of the last one. The new one will vary a bit from this, who wants to build the same table over and over again? But, the basic principles  will be the same. 

Contact me if you have any interests.



leotis OP
182 posts
 
So got it up and running.
GEM Polytable  with Jelco SA 750-D tonearm and Hana EL cartridge,
using Vincent PHO 8 phono stage.
(Connected to PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated (w/ Tung Sol KT150 and Mullard CV4003) and Revel F206s.)
About $2400
Sounds wonderful.
Doubt SQ/price can be beat.
Though I have no frame of reference really.
My bro in law is the high end analog expert and thinks the synergy is outstanding.
So thanks for all the excellent advice.
No way I could have done it without you guys.
Sounds so good I cannot foresee and impulse to upgrade.
Except eventually the digital power supply.
Cheers :)
Leo

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