2. analog
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Where is the significant point of diminishing returns on hi-end turntable?

For those that don’t know me I am newish to this game. Yes, I believe this chase for perfection in sound reproduction is a game. There are endless variables affecting the sound of every system and 100x that in opinions on each of these variables. I love cool $hit as much as the next guy but I am looking for an analog rig and I keep getting drawn into the seemingly endless "what about this option that costs tons more?". I started with a $6 to $10K budget and now I am considering a $25K setup (Table, cart and phono stage) after talking to a local retailer. I will be blunt, I want to be that guy in the Memorex ad from the 80’s that is getting blown away by his system (my impression is he is overwhelmed by the amazing sound coming from that speaker not the volume). Now that I have acquired some pretty descent stuff I am spending 15 plus hours each week listening and really enjoying this hobby. I don’t want to have any regrets and just be marginally satisfied with my setup but where do I draw the line? Back to my initial question; what is a reasonable amount to spend on an analog setup to achieve the best bang for the buck? I may be somewhat unique in that I don’t want to constantly be upgrading my equipment, I just want to buy great products the first time that are very satisfying and spend hours listening to great music. I don’t want to be the guy always chasing the next great thing.
128x128mmporsche
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Whitestix, I regret to have to tell you but AJ Conti passed away recently. See:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1188155424599920&id=179180802164059

Basis will continue but we have lost a terrific audio designer. I agree that he developed some excellent turntables and tonearms.
glennerd
3 posts
 
For me It's simple.
When the system disappears, And all your left with is a band playing 
You have arrived.

All you need is the right combination. The room itself needs to be soft. Clap and if you hear an echo it's not a good thing. I have an Audire Crescendo which which cost me $500 which I would recommend. They usually run around a grand.
   It's like owning a super car. If you buy a super car because you don't know what to do with all of your money. Then buy a super car. On the other hand if you take out a loan to buy a super car you are a fool.
   If I was to put a cap on it. I'd say you could reach the minimum requirements for a audiophile system for as little as $4000-$5000 bucks. But at that range it has to be a passion where your constantly buying and selling older used stuff to compare.

Happy listening
2channel8
758 posts
 
@mmporsche You seem to know what you are doing and how to do it.
To answer your original question, although I don't know why anyone else's opinion should even matter, I couldn't hold my head up if I couldn't complete the task with $15,000. Much less given time and the option of used equipment.
jollytinker
213 posts
 
Your ears are the most important component. Developing them takes time and effort, no matter what your budget is. That's the hidden lie in that old Maxell commercial. You can't just buy connection. 

I think learning to hear is the great joy of audio, but that's just me. And anyway my Porsche is just a lowly 1980 Euro SC. Maybe I haven't gone fast enough...
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
@rushton @rauliruegas  I am proud to have you both as friends as you both regularly wake the conversation and set it back to where it will serve some good. 

Live music must be the reference if you focus on classical & acoustic jazz. If your music of choice is rock, "what's real" is always going to be subject to massive interpretation, so let's not even go there.

Listening to as much gear in as many real home type rooms is going to help you train your ears and learn what "takes you there" -- back to that reference where the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and you feel the goosebumps. Get in a local audio club, people! When gear synergy & room setup work for you, take note and figure out why it's right FOR YOU. This experience will go a long way to defining each of our own definitions of the point of diminishing returns. That won't be a dollar figure! Cheers,
Spencer
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