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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
last_lemming
638 posts
 
mmporsche, take it from another Porsche guy (currently '86 944 turbo) get simple solid rig like mine;). Vpi Prime, Parasound JC3+, Dynavector 20x2L cart.  Solid rig that will last many years. Best bang for the buck. There will be a ton of opinions on this and even more suggestions. In the end you will eventually have to pick one. My suggestion is a solid one and would work for 90% of the people just getting into this hobby but only want to buy once - cry once. It's a neutral sounding rig as far as I can tell so the rest of your system will need to be up to par as well if you want the Memorex experience. Good luck Porschephile!
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
Hello Last Lemming.  I actually have a JC3+ and was looking at the VPI Prime.  That is where the slippery slope began.  I had Constellation amp/preamp that I bought last year and everyone told me my "sources were weak".  I then attended RMAF last month and found Voxativ so I bought the speakers and integrated amp.  They are awesome and very revealing and now I am looking to pair them with a suitable analog setup.  I currently am running a Pro-ject Xpression table and was satisfied until I heard the hi-end tables.....  "stop the madness". 

BTW, love the turbo.  My first P car was an 89 Turbo "S". 
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
mmporsche: Yes,i hear a difference between the $10 and $25 setup. Not 2.5x but that is diminishing returns at its finest.  Definitely better, just wondering where to stop. Almost sounds like there is no end game.
No, there is no end game. As oilmanjojo said, there is always something better. For me it was the Walker Audio Proscenium Turntable and Aesthetix Io Signature phono stage. Now the next step would be the Io Eclipse upgrade, full Walker Audio Diamond V update, and Air Tight PC-1 Supreme cartridge. Will I do that? Probably not. But would it be better? Oh, yes.
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
Rushtton, you are in the deep end of the pool. Dealer is recommending aestetix Rhea signature.  Not an IO but are you very satisfied with the phono stage?
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
Just looked up your TT rushtton, sexy. 
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