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
inna
7,296 posts
 
As usual, Bill says it well.
Oleschool, I had no idea you like Nottingham, you always mention VPI.
The word is, including Fremer’s word, that Pear Audio’s $10k top of the line table/arm are exceptional. Pear Audio tables/arms is reincarnation of Nottingham reflecting the latest disigners’s ideas. I haven’t heard that table, few did actually, but given a chance I could take a risk and get it. The alternative for me would be Nottingham Dais with their best arm. But as I said, I would consider SME too, unless I just decided to get the Pear Audio.
oleschool's avatar
oleschool
722 posts
 
inna ,
Its hard to beat up on a product that kicks ass. Honestly this thread is above my level.I am very interested though,and have some dream tables in my head lol

how about that Acoustic Signature Ascona that just came up ?
inna
7,296 posts
 
Today's fantasy may be tomorrow's reality. At this level, as I said, I have faith in British tables. When you go even higher, everything is open. However, I will never go higher, this level would be enough for me. Besides, I am planning tape project, reel to reel deck, not to mention electronics, speakers and cables upgrades. This should keep me busy for many years. I rarely upgrade but when I do it is always a big step, even if I only upgrade one cable.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

Does anyone own this rig?; it's from "Continuum Audio Labs"; Caliburn, Cobra, Castellon; Turntable, tonearm, stand.


      http://www.stereophile.com/turntables/106con/#52Yi1qvS4wGCc2lb.97


Enjoy the music.



Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,084 posts
 
Dear @garretc: Agree, speakers/room are perhaps the most important link in an audio system along the source. Now, not all kind of electronics can make an Alexandria/room can really " dance ", we have to take care here too.

@shadorne pointed out that the speakers choosed by @mmporsche can be driven by " a mere 2 watts ": so what?, that's does not means that the Voxativ are the best out there.

In the high end audio world the audio link where we can find more manufacturers and models is precisely on: speakers, because its critical importance as you said and because exist no perfect speakers. Even inside same speaker manufature there are diferent speaker " flavors ".

Perhaps and is only  my opinion the hardest audio link to choose is the " rigth " speakers  and for mmporsche was the easy link.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
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