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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,290 posts
 
All I can say is its much higher if you have an interest in turntables themselves as much as listening to music. Many factors go into the sound and the options are endless. You can take it as far as you want for as long as you want. It takes time and knowledge as much as money.

Whereas if teh goal is to just enjoy the music, diminishing returns will come sooner and cheaper most likely.

The answer lies mostly with what one looks to get out of the hobby. For some, the returns will never diminish. For others, much much sooner.

You have a good quality ultrasonic record cleaner......that’s huge!  No rig can make up for dirty or poor quality records.
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
Inna, I have access to three Otari reel to reel machines, one of which I plan to bring into my system. We will have to stay in touch. What other sources exist for material other than the tape project?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,290 posts
 
Actually RTR should be capable of setting the reference standard for sound. Then you can try to approach it with vinyl but will probably never happen. Hi res digital might have a chance.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
Oleschool,  

You mean PBN / VPI DD GrooveMaster :-)  We make these in many different configurations  The one you mention above is owned by a friend of mine.

http://pbnaudio.com/audio-components/audio-turntables/groovemaster

Above link to the BeltDrive units we make using parts sourced form VPI  and others.

Working on some very cool turntables currently - making 3 GrooveMaster Vintage Direct DP7 Custom - these are for Lyra and will be fitted with the Swedish SAT tonearm as the main arm and a SME 310 or a Custom Origin Live tonearm as the secondary arm.

There is also 3 of the GrooveMaster Vintage Direct DN308 in the works, these use the Denon DN308 Commercial grade Turntables as donors. They will be made into tabletop versions (the DN 308 is a console)  and will be fitted with SME312S or SME V12 tonearms.  

http://pbnaudio.com/audio-components/audio-turntables/groovemaster/groovemaster-vintage-direct

Good Listening

Peter
jperry
2,450 posts
 
"Rushton,The fun doesn't stop with purchasing the turntable. Now you have to work on the details to get the best sound from it."

I agree with you on this, the last bit is in the details.

mmporsche, I saw you bought a KL Audio record cleaner, which is a great thing to own if you listen to a lot of records. One other thing that you should address is a base for your turntable. Given the amount of money you are spending I recommend you get a Vibraplane or Minus K platform. I have a Vibraplane, purchased through Sounds of Silence, and it or the Minus K make a real difference for any turntable. Either is about $2,000 to $3,000 and is a worthwhile addition. 
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