Turntable, arm, cartridge $5-7k? What about phono stage?
Recommendations for a modestly priced analog system
I have been listening to digital music only for a number of years. Now I am thinking of adding an analog system. I don't want to go nuts buying expensive components. I just want to get under the proverbial point of diminishing return. I have Cary Audio 98P preamp, VAC phi 200 (planning) and Sound Lab ESL speakers. My budget from turntable to cartridge is $5-7K. I prefer buying used for the best bang for the buck. As I am getting older, I need a no fuss, durable and low maintenance system. Any recommendations?
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- 51 posts total
I can recommend Luxman PD-444 as the best bang for the buck! Got a few of them in my system, you can add whatever tonearm you like for your cartridge. Read more about this model here. However, I think $7k is not a modest price for turntable, tonearm and cartridge! |
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Chung, you have plenty of money to buy a new table. I would avoid used ones as tonearms and turntables are rather delicate devices and easily damaged. A Sota Sapphire with an Origin Live Encounter tonearm and Soundsmith Carmen cartridge will do the trick nicely. The Sapphire is totally isolated and you can get it with a dust cover. Footfall issues won't happen and you do not need any special stand to put it on. |
- 51 posts total