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
best-groove's avatar
best-groove
844 posts
 
But when I see a person willing to spend $30k on one turntable alone, without knowing much about analog and being a victim of the high-end propaganda, I think it’s some sort of illness. Looking for a cartridges at $5000-8000 price tag as a started is definitely not right. Don’t let them rip you off. In fact you can buy so many cartridges, tonearms, turntables for $30k instead of one, so it’s the only way to understand, there is not such things as "best" for everyone, you can only try and compare yourself.

@chakster
I also smile when people jump straight to a top of the class without having accumulated experience in small steps.
It’s like entrusting a Lamborghini to a newbie who has just obtained his driving license ... sooner or later it will crash.  LOL
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
get the Kuzma and the Technics sp10R.  Then you will be covered for belt drive and direct drive.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,575 posts
 
@uwiikz,

I recommend picking up Hana S ($750) or M ($1200) moving coil cartridges. They both are great sounding cartridges that wouldn’t mind keeping it around.
terry9
2,353 posts
 
@best-groove, I absolutely do not agree. Further, I think that what you wrote is mean-spirited. When you audition and audition and fall in love with something, that's probably real. And now the OP has said that he's going to practice on an inexpensive cartridge - what could be more sensible than that? Hardly a matter for condescension. IMO.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear @uwiikz :  These are good alternatives for your " learning cartridge. The Windfeld is an ecellent performer at an ecellent price, it can challenge easy the one you bougth with the Kuzma TT:


https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa51dg-kuzma-car-40-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa5791-dynavector-karat-17dx-brand-new-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa7gii-ortofon-mc-windfeld-brand-new-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa8869-ortofon-cadenza-bronze-cartridges

R.
More to discover