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
3,043 posts
 
If you go that route, you might have AF make a couple extra arm mounting boards, finished as you want, so you don’t have to try to match finishes at some future time.
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
@railiruegas I agree with you entirely about speakers being the key. I was just acknowledging that mmporsche has gone down a particular path that likely precludes a very costly switching of speakers. For sure the Wilson Alexandria would be in another different league (not necessarily better if you like low power tube amps) and  from what I can gather Mmporsche is really into the single driver whizzer cone style speaker and he has top of the line in this style.
lewm
13,101 posts
 
Dear mmporsche, I think the AF Lenco is one of several good choices available, and it is not crazy expensive, either.  Good decision.  I own a highly tweaked Lenco L75 myself, so of course I would approve.  So it sounds like you've got both "ends" of a system, and all you need is the "middle", the phono stage, linestage, and amplifiers.  High quality SET is very suitable for Voxativs but I urge you to consider low power OTL tube amplifiers as well, such as the S30 from Atma-sphere.

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ct0517
2,041 posts
 
mmporsche

some comments on what you said earlier.

I started with a $6 to $10K budget and now I am considering a $25K setup

I spent a number of hours listening to the Gavia II from Thom Mackris. Very nice presentation. However, we switched over to his prototype rim drive using magnets and I became hooked on the more pronounced delivery of each note. Problem is the deliverable product is slated for 6-9 months away and the price is well above my total budget.


First - You will never forget that moment. Also things in the analog vinyl world move real slow (33.3 rpm) :^)
 6-9 months is but a blip.

Secondly - in regards to budgets. If you have multiple "interests", I find that budgets are all relative anyway. For example with my own experiences.
I have two constant year round interests - running and music (meaning buying/acquiring of music)
I also have at least three seasonal interests; audio gear (colder months), cars and boats (warmer). It's a good thing these are seasonal interests. fwiw I spent more on running shoes in 2016 than actual audio gear.

So just something for you to consider before you make a decision. This is after all a hobby. I know in my case also when Audiophilia Nervosa does strike,  I tend to remember those moments. 


Cheers Chris

2channel8
758 posts
 
"Apparently the analog forum has become a status forum as opposed to what is stated. Notice the statements made by expensive sports cars. "

The following is not based on any real persons living or dead and any resemblance to any serious remark is totally coincidental.

Analog?!?
Sportscars?!?
You want status? My wife is a four star chef and my mistress has B52s and can crack walnuts with her A__.  ;^)

Enjoy the music and keep your sense of humor.
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