2. analog
  3. 163962-155552

The best TT system for under 30K

Hi agoners! 

I have been floored by Kuzma Stabi XL DC with 4 points TA on a recent audition. It was extremely analog sounding, insane details with speed, beat and clarity that made me wonder if I am listening to a live concert, just can’t help my toe tapping. Was comparing the sound to the top of the line Accuphase CD player with the same rest of system and it was no contest. 

Switching from Accuphase CD player to Kuzma XL DC was sounding like adding a pair of subwoofer and going up 2-3 levels on the rest of the system. Mind you the rest of the system was Accuphase E-650 class A integrated that should favor the Accuphase same brand CD player but that wasn’t the case. The speaker was Kerr Acoustics K300 under 10K entry level bookshelf and the sound of the entire entry level system armed with Kuzma XL DC beat the hell out of the entire super high end system the dealer has on the other listening room with Avalon PM3 speakers, Accuphase A-250 monos, Audionet Stern Preamp with Accuphase CD player. 

However obviously I cannot afford the whole set of Kuzma XL DC considering I am also in the process of upgrading my existing system. What will be the closest contender in the US$30.000 retail price range that has the same sonic signature as Kuzma XL DC? 

Thanks in advance for any advices!!
uwiikz
uwiikz OP
89 posts
 
@terry9 thanks a lot on the tips for ultrasonic cleaner. I am familiar with the wonder of ultrasonic bath/rinsing as I am very meticulous in keeping my stuff squeaky clean. I will ask my dealer about the the stuff but if it’s not too much of a problem perhaps you have specific brand/model you would suggest for me? I tried searching local online market and found quite a few but all are very expensive, 6L one is like $750 and it is looking totally cheap and not well made.  
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,575 posts
 
@uwiikz,

Ultrasonic cleaning machine are nice but expensive. Here is an alternative that doesn’t break the bank, I have been using it for past 4 months. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy my ‘involvement’ in the process :-) 

https://youtu.be/G6mFWdny_Pw

https://www.musicdirect.com/cleaning-machines/pro-ject-vc-s2-alu-record-cleaning-machine


mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
@uwiikz, Since you like the Kuzma so much get a Stabi M, a Four point 11 and a Soundsmith Sossurro low compliance. If you have to have a moving coil get an Ortofon Windfeld Ti. 
rsf507
2,342 posts
 
@uwiikz a quick question. Who will do the complete setup of your TT? A 30k table can sound like a 1k table if not setup properly.
terry9
2,353 posts
 
@uwiikz, @lalitk 

About record cleaning, the machine @lalitk recommended looks like a variant on the VPI 16.5. Much better than nothing, but not consistent with your investment in vinyl front end, IMO. I had one of the VPI machines - after cleaning with the VPI, my ultrasonic system removed as much grunge again. Difference in sound was even greater. Some unlistenably noisy records became pristine, high M-, if you can believe it.

The issue with record grunge is that even a tiny amount is unacceptable, since an analysis indicated equal portions of grease, diamond dust, and household dust (don't have the reference). That is just about an ideal industrial grinding compound, ready and able to re-shape your expensive, precision stylus into a blob. Using the VPI alone, one of my styli was utterly destroyed after about 1500 hours, vs almost new after 1000.


More to discover