Analog under 2k?

Yes Inna, but it is probably the best $200 arm available, and it is upgradable with mods that bring it to a higher level. And it is actually better sounding than the more expensive RB300 when modded with a low cost end-stub from OL. The RB300 is commonly put on $2k tables, even by manufacturers. So I don't think it is nonsense to do that, even if the price differential seems to indicate that.

I fully agree that there are better arms out there, but for the budget that he is considering, it is more musical to have the money in the better table, where it would do the most good.

I also agree the Nottinghams are some good tables to look at too. They would probably be my personal 2nd choice to the Teres, for the money.

The new quetion that arises now is: Should I stick with the EAR, or go with a Modwright unit? DAn has 2 in the classifieds now. Which will offer more versatility?

Joe

The new quetion that arises now is: Should I stick with the EAR, or go with a Modwright unit? DAn has 2 in the classifieds now. Which will offer more versatility? THe other TT option is an Audio NOte TT3 in the classifieds.

Joe

I don't know anything about the Modwright unit at all.

The Audio Note TT is a "clone" of the old Ariston Systemdek, which is a pretty nice TT. But it is not in the league with the Teres or Nottingham.

You state you have access to an EAR.
Does this mean you can buy it relatively cheaply or that you have a buddy who will lend it to you?

The EAR is a fairly decent entry level phono preamp. If you can either pick it up cheaply (or better yet, borrow it for a bit), you can try it out, make sure you want to stick with analog (and all the trials and tribulations that it involves) before you move on to something bigger and better. (I have not been so enthused about listening to music in about a decade, since I got my turntable.)

FYI: Since I have gotten back into Analog, I have noticed that there seems to be a faily constant urge to upgrade the system as every little change, tweak, mod, etc., appears to add just a little bit more to the enjoyment of the music. (Not that this is a bad thing, but it does involve money, which is a limiting factor, at least in my case.) Therefore, you might want to start off slow and work your way up to the level you want. I do this by buying, using and selling "used" equipment, rather than new as the depreciation of analog equipment seems to be rather large. (I seem to be able to buy very well cared for analog equipment for about half price. Which is a good thing, as it is starting to run into thousands of dollars.)

Good Luck in your pursuit of audio nirvana.