It is worthwhile considering the suggestions that digital might be the advantageous pursuit. My experiences of recent years has lifted all prejudices I had developed toward the use of CD from past experiences, there is a curiosity today to see how a streaming set up can compare.
I can play a Vinyl LP and CD of the same recording in conjunction, and when switching channels detect immediately a change to the presentation, in some cases a slight volume adjustment is all that is required to create the impression of a very close similarity between the two.
If the selected source is allowed to play on for a short period, there is no desire to return to the other source, either have the capability to be attractive and desirable to be engaging with.
From previous posts made by yourself, I gather your curiosity is the reverse of mine and the Digital is well established, and the Vinyl LP is the new desirable source to be pursued.
If the idea of being Wed to a Vinyl LP Replay is the unavoidable aspiration.
Out of the Nine Brands made known and not made Models, that are available from the Local Dealership Network, how many have been demonstrated to yourself?
Out of the models that could be demonstrated, are there Models with quite obvious design differences such as Motor Drive, the overall Construction and the Materials selected for the assembly of the Platter Spindle Bearing and Housing?
Out of the models that could be demonstrated, are there Models with a Platter Spindle Bearing design, that have become recognised for their design and the value on offer of the method that is being employed on the model of TT? ( The design for the bearing is one that is often overlooked by a buyer and is an area within the entirety of the construction of the TT that can impact on the performance, in certain cases the impact can be noticeably detracting).
Out of the models that could be demonstrated, are there Models with a modern approach to the Construction of the Platter, such as a composite of materials in place of using a machined/cast metal only?
Out of the models that could be demonstrated, are there models mounted in Plinths with a design that is using materials that are very well thought out and can damp and dissipate transferred energies more effectively and efficiently than other materials? (There is quite a bit of research carried out about the properties of materials, even the most attractive and used regularly by the producers are not able to produce measured performances that would be considered attractive as a Plinth Material. This is why some are producing composites, as the variety of materials properties are combined in the hope the sum of the parts will surpass the singular part as a material, again there is research that shows the measured properties of composites).
I am sure that within the Market Place a 5K Budget will be enough to be able to discover TT's with very well thought out designs.
It has already been suggested by yourself the Budget and Brands/Models, might be subject to change. Maybe a used model from a Dealer, such as Ex Demo or Trade In might also get an extended option onto the list within Budget.
It is important to get out and listen to a few TT's with different design intent for their production, discovering the realness of what is on offer, will only be discovered when creating experiences of the devices, any other methods where a demonstration is not participated in as a experience, will be a method relying on the fantasy and conjuring up a attraction, prior to spending on a purchase,
My experiences and choices made are underpinned with the receiving demonstrations as the method used as the minimum, it offers a confidence that the preparations prior to a purchase have been adequately considered and acted upon.
Worse case scenario if you stick close to 5K, the added time to make an allowance for receiving demonstrations, prior to purchasing can be a few months+. The added costs incurred to create opportunities to experience Brands and their Models of TT's might add $500 to the budget, especially if a accommodation is needed for a over night stay.
Drawing on my own assessment of my attempts to receive demonstrations of devices and encounter new experiences, the additional costs are negligible, as over the multiple years of receiving demonstrations, the learning acquired from the experiences encountered and the continued welcome to share with individuals much more educated and adept than myself, has been monies very well spent on the method used to acquire knowledge and education.
