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
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 

 The Clearaudio innovation wood is a fine table. you don't mention the arm. I have the universal arm on mine with a Benz Zebra Wood cartridge. But there are a lot of nice tables at that price point.

I agree setup is very important. A well setup rig can out perform a much more expensive rig that is not setup properly. 

The estetix rhea Sig phono

last_lemming
638 posts
 
The reality is that at the price point you are playing in right now almost everything is going to sound great to one extent or another, it's now a matter of taste and which one tastes the best to you.  The madness never ends, but the going crazy part is half the fun!!  To answer your question, you stop upgrading at that point just before divorce. 
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
The dealer is apex audio in denver.   He is recommending the universal.9 arm and Benz LP-S cart. He says he is one of two people in the region that knows How to setup an analog rig correctly.  Who knows, not me. 

Last lemming, love you comment about upgrading and divorce.  I just sold my racecar to relax and spend time with them family. Needless to say, my wife is very understanding and supportive of my stupid hobbies. 
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Dealer is recommending aestetix Rhea signature.  Not an IO but are you very satisfied with the phono stage?
This is that never ending cycle, mmporshe. :-)  The Rhea Signature is very good. The Io Signature is in the next league, and the Eclipse moves a further step up from there. With all three, use a medium output (~0.4mv) cartridge and you're in a great place.

Yes, I've had the Io Signature (with dual power supplies and volume control) for 15 years and I'd not change it for anything else I've heard except the Eclipse version. And, like everything in this crazy hobby, the dual power supplies make a difference.

mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
DAMNIT rushton, now I want to listen to an IO.  I guess my kid can go to public school, right?
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