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
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
@inna My father has the 3 Otari RTR machines in his studio that is now idle.  I am not planning to buy a Studer or any other RTR setup, just take one of his home.  Two are 1/4 and one is a 8 track (1/2 inch if memory serves).  I don't believe the 1/2 has any use to me but one of the 1/4 inch machines should if/when I bring one home.  

Let me know if you find any great options for RTR source material.

Rushton has been very generous with his time and information and I am investigating the used Wilson - yet another step higher on the ladder.


mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
@nkj I appreciate the advice and I don’t want some high maintenance system. My objective is high quality sound with a reasonable amount of fuss/work. Based on what I have read from Rushton the Wilson doesn’t seem too high-maintenance. I am willing to wash records before playing them with the KL Audio, demagnetize them and then let it rip. I am 47, appreciate the finer things and like good engineering (watches, cars, audio gear, guns, etc.). I have raced cars for 14 years and I am not the guy always tweaking my setup in the pits before each race. I am more the set it and forget it. I will spend the time and learn how to set it up once properly and make some minor tweaks but that is it. My goal with music is to relax and forgot about life stresses. 
inna
7,354 posts
 
As someone very experienced and knowledgeable said, with Walker table/arm things to pay attention to are dynamics and bass. Do not buy it without thorough auditioning. There are good reasons why some people get rid of their Walkers and go with something else, most interesting unusual direction are highly modified vintage Technics SP10-MKIII and other vintage tables. Those Technics are much more than what you are prepared to spend, I guess.
inna
7,354 posts
 
I don't like guns and have zero interest in watches but I do like custom knives. Actually using one in the kitchen, though it is much more than a kitchen knife.
Anyway, many people do double or triple water rinse on regular record cleaner with vacuum after ultrasonic machine. And you don't have to clean records each time before listening to them, you know. I only use vacuum machine and clean the records after 10/15 plays or so. The difference is usually small compared to after, say, 25/30 plays, but a little less noise.
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,719 posts
 

From reading your initial post you seem to be looking for music and not a gear head? After many years of $10k tables I've recently set up a Garrard 301 system with a modest Jelco 12" tone arm and Van Den Hull MC 10 cart  with my custom plinth about $7k invested and to be honest i'm listening to music again. I've considerably increased my enjoyment of music and listening times.  I've got a huge upgrade path just in the table I have with so many options and upgrades available I can easily take this set up to the $25k and up levels. but in the end is i'm listening to music again not the gear. do some research and don't be shy of a 50 year old design as they will suck you into the music your toes will be taping and you'll have a big smile on your face for years to come. and when you do feel like you want an upgrade just add  something to improve the Garrard.

You could also get a Loricraft Garrard 501 they have redesigned, or one the many people out there doing Garrard rebuilds and mods from the reasonable to the extreme like Shindo 301 at $25k
 

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