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
inna
7,296 posts
 
If you want a great sound, two components are the most important - turntable itself and phono stage. Followed by tonearm, cartridge and cable. Talking new pieces, I would say that $10k/$12k for table/arm, $5k/$7k for a phono stage, $3.5k or so for the cartridge and $1.5k for the cable will get you far enough. Plus perhaps $1k for each power cord. The very first priority is the table itself, don't save much on it. There are so many combinations, it really depends on taste and availability for audition, unless you are ready to take a risk and buy unheard. I myself would only consider British turntables but not necessarily only British tonearms within this price range, not German, American, French, Canadian etc. They know how to make dynamic musical value tables. This means Nottingham, Pear Audio, SME, Avid, Origin Live. If not that I would probably go with better VPI . And I would definitely get tube phono stage, my choice would probably be LAMM but there are others. Choice of cartridge would depend on many things, including in some way on your speakers. As an example, if your speakers are very warm you don't want a very warm sounding cartridge but nor do you want a cold sounding cartridge. You can also fine tune the sound with phono stage tube rolling.
So, I think you are right about the figure of $20k-$25k for the entire analog set-up.
Good luck to you.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
:-)  But now you're going to have to take the insane plunge into: 
  1. Seriously cleaning your vinyl to get the best sound you can out of the grooves ( My DIY Approach to the Ultrasonic Cleaning of LPs). 
  2. Find the best pressings (Steve Hoffman Music Forum) and purchasing multiple copies to compare.
  3. Adding a magnetic optimizer to your record playing ritual.
  4. Getting the cleanest power to your equipment without adding noise and distortion artifacts.
The fun doesn't stop with purchasing the turntable. Now you have to work on the details to get the best sound from it.
inna
7,296 posts
 
Right. Best pressings and real good cleaning are so important. And of course the wall current. You will want a motor controller too.
Oleschool, I think real madness starts above $100k for the entire system new. Below that it's alright. Or maybe it's $150k these days?
And $75-$100 or more for each Japanese original pressing let alone pro Japanese original is not madness? I confess, I got a few of them. But if you need 1000 records...
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
mmporsche, you could just jump right into the deep end of the pool along with me. Slipknot1 is selling his Walker Audio turntable because he's downsizing due to a recent illness. He's asking just $25k for the turntable, integrated linear tracking arm and Magic Diamond cartridge. I'd be happy to put you in touch with him. Unfortunately, he's on the opposite side of the country from you near Philadelphia, but he'll split the cost of shipping.
oleschool's avatar
oleschool
722 posts
 
I agree inna , i was just responding to op comments. I would say that 150k mark sure would be sweet. Best of luck 
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