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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
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rauliruegas
13,084 posts
 
Dear @garretc: Agree, speakers/room are perhaps the most important link in an audio system along the source. Now, not all kind of electronics can make an Alexandria/room can really " dance ", we have to take care here too.

@shadorne pointed out that the speakers choosed by @mmporsche can be driven by " a mere 2 watts ": so what?, that's does not means that the Voxativ are the best out there.

In the high end audio world the audio link where we can find more manufacturers and models is precisely on: speakers, because its critical importance as you said and because exist no perfect speakers. Even inside same speaker manufature there are diferent speaker " flavors ".

Perhaps and is only  my opinion the hardest audio link to choose is the " rigth " speakers  and for mmporsche was the easy link.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
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mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
@rauliruegas I chose the Voxativ loudspeakers and integrated amp because it was the best combination I heard at the show within my budget, actually triple my budget but how can you put a price on love.

They sounded the most natural compared to the other speakers I listened to for a number of days and in the past.  I am very satisfied with my purchase and have become a strong proponent for point source speakers - at least Holger's.  

I spent a number of hours listening to the Gavia II from Thom Mackris.  Very nice presentation.  However, we switched over to his prototype rim drive using magnets and I became hooked on the more pronounced delivery of each note.  Problem is the deliverable product is slated for 6-9 months away and the price is well above my total budget.  I am now focused on an Artisan Fidelity Lenco table.  I may just pull the trigger and try it out.
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mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
Almost forgot to mention that we connected my "meager" Parasound JC3+ and it was not a significant downgrade over the Herron.  The Herron had a better soundstage whereas the JC3+ felt a little more constrained, however, it was not horrible.  Likely the difference between SS compared to tubes.  Certainly a quality phone stage for the money IMO.
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rauliruegas
13,084 posts
 
Dear @mmporsche : Lenco, good. Do you already decided the cartridge/tonearm combination and the rigth phono stage for your speakers/room can really " dance "?

regards and enjoy the music,
R.
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mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
I am looking at a used AF Lenco with an Origin Illustrious arm.  I really enjoyed the sound of the Soundsmith cart at RMAF this year but I am very open to suggestions.  Please and thank you.
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