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Turntables.....A point of diminishing returns?

   This post is sure to elicit many opinions. Everyone knows that a good audio system is a series of building blocks. Amps, speakers, cables, etc. To find the weakest block in any system can be a challenge to make a particular system sound as good as possible given the funds on hand. Almost anything can be improved upon. But, where does it end? There seems to be a point that an audio system, thru improvements, is about as good as it will sound. At least to the owner.
   No end to opinions about analog sound. Tables, carts, cables, amps, setup, and others. With all the renewed interest in vinyl, many are looking to optimize their current setup and others are content with what they have. Congrats to those. Other than looking at this as just a hobby, at what point does one just say...that's all my system is capable?
   I say this because in the audio world there is almost no limit as to how much money can be spent on equipment. If you fit into that category, I am envious. "Oh..Look at what this costs". But, as far as sound goes, is there really any tremendous benefit to spending mega dollars on equipment? I single out turntables because it's one of pieces that can demand those big dollars. One who can afford expensive tables probably has the funds for other expensive components.
   Look at this table. For $650k I wonder if it sounds many times better than the one I have.....
 http://www.dj-rooms.com/avdesignhaus-dereneville-vpm2010/

jrpnde
mrklas
441 posts
 
@ Op really?

A component sounding at a value based on its MSRP?  And comparing performance against the MSRP...

I can understand performance varying company to company based on their IP and systems though I don’t expect that variation to be reflected across the market. 
Yes, there is a law of diminishing returns based on an individuals budget and preferences. 
It appears you have asked a question as disguised statement. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Look at this table. For $650k I wonder if it sounds many times better than the one I have.....

This is probably a total cost of all studio equipment used in recording and mastering process, including all instruments used by musicians.

If some rich people are ready to pay $650k for an ugly turntable just to reproduce their records there always be a manufacturer of such turntable especially for them and the only difference between really good $6k turntable and $650k turntable is margin of the manufacturer, this is the main difference everyone can notice.

anthonya
126 posts
 
I do have aquantaince who have caliburn..

hardly knew that guy but was told that was not his main tt

he prefer goofing around with his super tweaked  lenco l75. 

my observation is.. rarely people  have the willpower and finance to really pull off the ultimate system. sad to say it can be hugely disappointing buying a totl item and realize there is more to it, having the right condition to get it sound like 500k. or it just sound like normal tt. 

also my buddy used to own kronos. it's fantastic? but very difficult to set. it's too advanced at that time for all of us and just a ear bleeder. funny story is he downgraded to the bottom direct drive. learn from ground up and now start to improve Alot setting up the TT. and now slowly conquering more expensive stuff step by step. his sistem is about 80k. you really think you hop In a super car and you become a great driver. if u really tried one you probably wind in the drain for trying.. need more skill driving one.. that's the analogy we used in high end equipment. 
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pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 
It appears you have asked a question as disguised statement.
thereby seeking its affirmation.
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