2. analog
  3. 126824-33947

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
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,676 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
 

nkj
130 posts
 
@mmporsche you will get many opinions as you observed. What I understand is that this is new for you, quality is important & set and forget is paramount.
 With your budget it may not be a bad idea to touch and feel some of these tables by traveling to a show or flying out to a dealer.

The Walker is a formidable table- never owned one. But I did own variations of its less refined predecessor. There is a learning curve and heavy lifting involved.

My point is get the best table with the least fuss based on your current experience, time available and patience. Sure, some of the exotic solutions provide benefit but they bring other concerns.

As to @inna, perhaps you didn't fully read my post. I said that the iterations of adjustments and improvements are endless- of course tables can all sound different. A McLaren and a Porsche are precision mechanical devices that handle differently. I bet Kuzma or Brinkmann might argue their products were built with precision.

Good luck and let us know where you land.








mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
In searching the classified section last night I see a clearaudio master innovation.  German made, looks like a nice design. Thoughts?
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

Mapman, when I bought my used Technics over 5 years ago, I replaced all the transistors, with the same one's it had originally, and replaced all the capacitors with "Black Gates". That was after I discovered it was easy to work on.

Now, I can record a CD, and get similar detail as you would from an LP on playback. This is analogous to a mechanic making a "hot rod" go faster than a new car; since I know this can't be done (according to audiophiles) I don't expect anyone to believe it.


happy listening.
lewm
13,071 posts
 
Thoughts on Clearaudio turntables: Glitzy, over-priced, and no.  Lots of chrome and lucite, if that's what you like.  Walker or SP10 Mk3, far better, IMO.

Before you buy a Wilson speaker, make the effort to hear one; they are available for audition in some of the better audio salons.  You might have to get on a plane, but in the end you'll save some angst.

More to discover