2. analog
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Your choice - TT, Arm, Stage, Cartridge - $5000 budget

So imagine you were just given ~$5000 and told to buy your ideal analog setup within that budget.

What would be your choice for turntable, arm, phono stage, and cartridge be? Any other accessories to consider?

How would you spend it?


Obviously I’m looking to upgrade my analog setup and am focusing on the essential components at this time. Curious how you would spend my money haha.

My current gear:
Amp - Primaluna Dialogue HP integrated w/ KT150 power tubes, Mullard and Cifte preamp tubes.
Loudspeakers - Tekton Design Double Impact

For sound,I like the idea of a balanced overall sound, and a big soundstage. But what I really enjoy most is the idea of exposing the holographic image in a recording.




128x128whacky
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Cartidge’s are priced differently all over the world on a what the market will bear basis .
Sellers are well aware that Americans tend to judge on a more expensive must be better basis
which is not the case in most places .
darkstar1
180 posts
 
http://https//www.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-soundsmith-zephyr-mimc-stereo-phono-cartridge-factory-rebuilt-2762-2017-07-03-analog

No relation to seller. I also have the Soundsmith Aida on the prime. This is a factory rebuilt cart for half the retail price. Remember this is MM/MI so less gain needed and no suspension to collapse. Its essentially new since the manufacture has rebuilt it. It can be rebuilt or re-tipped in the future at a very low price comparability to other carts. 

It also comes with a scale and Soundsmith E-Z mount screws which I use and like (worth like 45 bucks)
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
608 posts
 
No question - VPI Prime, bought new.  Or if you can extend anpther thousand, the VPI Prime Signature
whacky's avatar
whacky OP
53 posts
 
I just settled on the VPI Prime.

seller currently offering to include a new Cadenza Bronze installed and calibrated for $1600. Seems like a decent offer but is slightly more than I expected to spend initially. 

Anyone have any opinions on this Prime with that cartridge? 
nkonor
635 posts
 
moofoo,

All the great & rare vinyl that younger guys missed will be available when we pass.

Wives will sell collections that took 45yrs to build for next to nothing.

1st pressings, UK, Holland, Telefunkens, Toshiba Pro, MFSLs, other Audiophile pressings and just plain great pressings/recordings.

They are here in our collections just waiting for the future. 

The 2nd Coming of vinyl is in storage; Waiting for the next generation.


Vinyl Lives ; Tubes Rule


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