Turntables better than a Wadia 861SE w/ Statement

Jfrech,

I'm running my Wadia into a CAT Ultimate MkII running into a CAT JL-2. The preamp has a phono section with ~26dB of gain. Big question is what is the minimum level of an analog rig to begin to equal the Wadia. Are we talking 10-20K investment or less?

If you want to continue to love and respect your WADIA rig, don't buy a turntable. I retired mine so that I could learn to love digital. It has generally worked, but after spending tens of thousands of dollars over the years investing in new and "better" digital gear, I've come to realize that I have probably the same level of performance I once had with a Rega and nice Grado cartridge!!

Hi Aoliviero,

Thinking of spending 10-20K for a vinyl setup? Don't!

My modest system of Basis 2000 table/RS Lab RS-A1 arm/Shelter 501 II cartridge (via 47 Lab Phonocube) probably sounds better than your Wadia. (Please don't take it personally.)

But to answer your question... I spent a lot, lot less!

Regards,
George

I have a Wadia 861xi which I like hugely. I have also heard an 861 modded by Northern Sound.

I also have an analog rig which I generally prefer although the sound seems to depend hugely on the mastering and manufacturing of the particular recording.

Originally, my vinyl setup was a Rega P3 with a Koetsu Black cartridge and Tom Evans MicroGroove+ phonoamp. This would retail for about $4.5k. I thought that this analog rig was in many ways better than the Wadia. Generally, there was better detail in vocals and strings, and large symphonic works were less congested. On the down side, the bass was somewhat bloated and it turned out that the notes did not decay as quickly as they should although I did not recognize either of these deficiencies at the time. My newer analog rig, which is based on the SME 20/2 turntable, sounds even better.

I think you're phono stage is your CAT is pretty good. Maybe someone else can comment. But for under 10K...you'll have a ton of options. I'd go for a used SME 20/2 with SME IV.Vi arm...approx 6k. Or a SME 10 and arm...4k. Spend about 2k on a good cartridge, Lyra Helicon, Shelter, something. $500 on a VPI 16.5 cleaning machine, $500 on a better arm cable, like a Hovland or similar.

You have a lot of options in the price range. The Basis mentioned above is also great. The SME 20/2 is a lifetime investment. You may trade cartridges...but the table will likely be a permament resident.

Good luck.