2. analog
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Where should the money go?

I am looking to get into analog but have very limited knowledge on the subject. What component should I invest the most money? Should I start with a less expensive table, such as a Rega Planar 3, and buy a higher end cartridge and tonearm? Or is the table more important? My budget is about $2500-3000. However, I am totally lost on the subject and don't know where to start. I've talked to the local audio shoppe but would like more inputs. I would welcome any advice you could give me. Thanks alot.
limabean683
puubie
45 posts
 
Quit worrying and send me your money.
ctgrubbs
11 posts
 
$3000 is a siginificant amount of money to spend on an analog set up. There are two questions you also need to answer: Will you have to buy a phono preamp? Are you considering used or only new gear? I would spend most of my budget for the table and arm and buy a moderately priced cartridge such as a Grado or Clearaudio Aurum Beta-S. Cartridges do not last forever but a fine table and arm should go on for years and years.
limabean683 OP
20 posts
 
Ct, 3000 was maximum I wanted to even think about spending for an analog setup. To answer your questions, I will need to buy a Phono stage. As for new or used? It all depends on whats available. I wouldn't mind spending good money on say a used VPI or Basis table. Then use the rest of the money on a new tonearm and cartridge. I hope that helps, and thanks again for the imputs.
captain
81 posts
 
I AGREE WITH CORNFEDBOY,THE BASIS/REGA COMBO IS HARD TO BEAT.I LOOKED AT MANY TABLES AND NONE AT THE PRICE OF A BASIS1400 EVEN COMES CLOSE TO THE WORKMANSHIP AND TOOLING TOLERANCES OF BASIS. THE STAND ALONE MOTOR AND 10 YEAR WARRANTY IS THE ICING ON THE CAKE.ALSO THE BASIS MODIFIED REGA WITH THE VTA ADJUSTMENT WORKS VERY WELL.THERE IS NO SIDE PLAY WHEN YOU LOOSEN THE SCREW TO MOVE THE ARM UP AND DOWN FOR VTA LIKE SO MANY OTHER SETUPS!!I RECENTLY SOLD MINE AND UPGRADED TO A BASIS OVATION/GRAHAM AND WILL ALWAYS HAVE A BASIS.
fletchj
91 posts
 
I recently sold a Thorens 166 MK11, and purchased an Oracle.The Oracle sounds much better than the Thorens, but I was not ready for all the fussing with it, you have to do to make it sound so much better than the Thorens.If you just want to play records, and listen to them, then buy the Rega, and a good cartridge, a Wright phono stage, and enjoy the music. All you will miss, is the endless, tweakiness of the best designs.
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