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
whart's avatar
whart
3,039 posts
 
lewm- you had a real 550 Spyder? Did you own it a while ago, before these cars reached Van Gogh painting prices? One of my heroes is Ed Niles (not even sure if he is still around). He bought, imported, drove and then sold (to fund further acquisition of) some of the great sports cars of the '50s and '60s --bought them when they were just tired old oddball cars on a professional's income (Ed was a lawyer). 
It is a fun hobby. Nice post. 
2channel8
758 posts
 
@mmporsche  Let me make a proposition. I will gladly spend day after day auditioning TT/TA/pre/cartridge combinations until I find THE one that resonates with heaven. I will bring it to you and if you allow me, set it up. (I have such fun doing that). If you are not satisfied, I will go out on the road again. All I ask is that you cover expenses and a small token, perhaps an Ayre CX-5eMP. Oh, OK. I'll settle for the Oppo.

I live between Short Hills and Far Hills, NJ. I have about 6 high-end dealers on my turf and can easily expand your search to NYC.

BTW, I think I can score a Nakamichi Dragon CT. Very rare and very unique concept. More like a Lambo than a Porsche. So act fast!
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

Rushton, mmporsche, did not state that 25K would be the point of diminishing returns, he said he had a budget of 25K.

You stated that 25K would not be your point of diminishing returns, and included the OP. I have always wondered what would be suitable for someone who does not consider 25K as the point of diminishing returns, and I'm still waiting.

I realize you wouldn't want to announce to the world that you had a 150K turntable in your listening room, so I'm just asking what do you consider "suitable"?


Enjoy the music.
wrm57
1,043 posts
 
This thread has strayed far from its original usefulness into what is tantamount to BS-ing in the barbershop, which is fine but not really on topic. One last thought on points of diminishing returns. Unless you dedicate a lot of energy to the entire signal up and down the line (as Raul said way upthread), and to your room, and to your set up, you’ll reach that point long before $25K. So spend it if you have it and have fun, because then it’s more about the toys than the sound, that that’s cool, too, but for different reasons.
lewm
13,051 posts
 
WRM, If you ask a barbershop question, you get a barbershop BS session.

Yes, Whart, a REAL 1955 550RS Spyder, serial number 0053.  James Dean's car was 0055.  I got it as a complete but shabby car in 1986, about when values started to rise like a rocket, and I very stupidly sold it in around 1999, after having restored it to perfection.  Original engine, transmission, all numbers matching.  Sometimes I dream I still own it.  Some other times I want to kill myself for selling it. Actually, I would as soon have back my 1959 Carrera GT Speedster.  That was a more drivable car for the street and might arguably be as valuable today as a 550.  It's more rare than a 550.  100 mph in the Spyder on the DC beltway really focuses the mind, I can tell you.

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