Sorry...see your update...looks like you did go with another cart.
The phono you chose is a great unit.
Enjoy.
The phono you chose is a great unit.
Enjoy.
$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
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
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- 57 posts total
leotis: Great calls all around. You went a little over your budget, but the upgrades are all money well spent: Jelco 750D tonearm, Vincent PHO-8, and Hana EL. The reviews I've read about the Hana cartridges are very favorable and they're consistently rated as as performing well above their price points. They evidently OEM MC carts for other brands that sell for much more money. When Herb Reichert reviewed the new Technics SL1200GAE turntable, he tried a number of cartridges on it, one of which was the Hana EL, for which he was particularly enthusiastic. |
I would recommend a VPI Scout or Vinyl Nirvana (http://vinylnirvana.com/) Ensure you do not cheap out on your phono pre-amp, the Vincent looks good. I am running a Audio Research PH3, the difference was night and day compared to a smaller solid state unit. See if you can find a used unit like that or get a Decware ZP3 (http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZP3.htm). I have run with a Denon DL-110 and an Ortofon 2M Bronze, the Bronze wins every day. Hope this helps. 2k is tough, its enough money to do some damage, but you will make some compromises in some areas. My reasonable dream setup would be:
Another great setup might be a VPI Player TT. I don't have personal experience with it, but it has a phono pre built in, its a VPI TT, and comes with a cart (2M Red) that you can upgrade in the future... maybe someone here can comment on the TT. |
Thanks Guys, None of my final choices were in my original plan. I'm especially grateful for the George Merrell GEM Dandy tip. Turns out Mr. Merrell is a "Living Legend." Who knew? Just as I feared... I prefer the sound of vinyl. So my fairly extensive digital library is gonna be playing second fiddle. And I'm gonna have to have to pile real $$$ into the vinyl. Another first world problem I guess. |
- 57 posts total