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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
 
@honeyooi . Gong Xi Fa Chai my friend, may the year of the Ox bring prosperity and happiness for you and family for the years to come. 
The automatic tonearm lift is something new to me but it looked like Godsend contraption. Since yesterday I have run over to my LP a few times after I failed to realize the track has ended. 
uwiikz OP
89 posts
 
Just added new photo of the entire system. Too happy today
whart's avatar
whart
3,053 posts
 
@uwiikz-- couple comments about your room and set up if you don’t mind.
First, it looks like you have hard tile floor- those tend to be reflective. A nice rug will change that without absorbing too much energy;
Second, speaker placement. I know some people use their stereo for TV viewing, which may explain your set up, but at least cover the screen when you do critical audio listening. The screen is reflective and can mess with the image. I don’t like over damped rooms, but shifted away from having anything between the speakers, including gear rack-- which is on a side wall. (the amps are adjacent to the speakers but sit low and I run long interconnect).
Some people disagree that having the equipment rack between the speakers is significant, but at a minimum, I find it to be a distraction. 
Jim Smith’s Better Sound has a lot of good no cost suggestions for room set up and you should be able to get it via Amazon.
Glad you got the table and arm set up. What cartridge did you have installed?
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rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear @uwiikz :  "  at 80hz high pass crossing, it means that I need to have an EQ/Cross.. ""

Normally today best subwoofers already comes with the high-pass that split the signal that goes to the main speakers and the signal for the subs it self, check very well that the subs you can choose has that high-pass filter to avoid any additional external item.
Normally too the subs comes with a DSP control to optimize the subs integration with the speakers and the room at your seat position.

R.



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rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Uwiikz : Of course that you can use an external active crossover like this one:

http://www.accuphase.com/model/df-55.html

or this one:

http://old.bryston.com/products/other/10B-SUB.html

R.
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