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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
totem395
390 posts
 
@Uwiikz

Glad to see things moving right along enjoy!

Looking for a Bryston 10b sub crossover in Canada at the moment
myself, although if that Accuphase fell into my lap!


lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,575 posts
 
“When you say to add subwoofer and to cut the K300 at 80hz high pass crossing, it means that I need to have an EQ/Cross such as Accuphase DG-68 correct? I have JL Audio F113 V2 as consideration.”

@uwiikz,

I would look into a pair of REL’s before you consider an external EQ and JL Audio sub. IMHO, REL’s does a far better job of ‘disappearing’ and gelling with your main speakers. And you don’t need any external EQ with them.
https://rel.net/blog/2021/02/09/what-is-a-high-level-cable/?utm_campaign=2021-02-09_broadcast_conten...
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear @lalitk  : At which frequency are you crossing the Tannoys?, this is: from which frequency ( 70-80-100.etc ). and up are frequencies handled by the Tannoys??

Thank's.

R.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
@uwiikz, If you want similar get a Kuzma M and put a 4 Point 11 on it  with Lyra Kleos or Ortofon Windfeld Ti. Some people think the M is better than the XL. It is a more traditional design and does not have the "bling" of the XL but you don't buy a turntable to look at. You buy it to listen to.
uwiikz OP
89 posts
 
@whart please no need to say “if you don’t mind” :) I have thick ears, I snapped earlier on this thread because of special case, I don’t normally act like that.
I am planning to cover the floor with Parquet/wood floor. Do you think it will help vs rug or perhaps both parquet and rug? Gotcha about TV and table, I will follow your suggestion but no I don’t use my stereo for TV, it’s just that is the only wall in my bedroom that I can use and the TV been sitting there since forever. I am building a mancave downstairs, eventually the Accuphase setup will move downstairs and I’ll get another much cheaper set for my bedroom system. I also need to cover the useless three sets of double wing doors I have on the right side of the room. I will cover the door from inside with acoustic panel, leave the door alone from outside for aesthetic reason and only leave the center door for access to my balcony.
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