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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.




whacky
whacky's avatar
whacky OP
53 posts
 
Yeah I think I am probably going to pass on the Bronze for the time being.

The dealer also also offers other Ortofon, SoundSmith, and Grado carts and already assured me that he will offer me a solid discount on a new cart considering I’m buying a table from him.

Gonna see what the best cart he will offer me for ~1000. Maybe start from there.


Also, been looking into the Art Audio Vinyl Reference stage considering there is one on USAM now. Fits the price range. Been recommended earlier.

Anyone got first hand experience with this model?? Almost settled for a Whest 30rdt based on the price. But didn’t happen.

Otherwise I’m on the prowl for a good deal for an excellent stage. What price have people been seeing the Herron stage go for used?



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whacky's avatar
whacky OP
53 posts
 
Also, just got offered a Tom Evans The Groove stage for $1500. Havent heard much about this stage at all. Trying to do a little research on it presently.

Anyone have any insight into this?
whacky's avatar
whacky OP
53 posts
 
OK scratch that. I settled on a stage.

Went with a used Whest PS.30rdt SE 2017 spec, which supposedly is has updated and improved components over the older SE models. (according to whest website)

I hadn't really seen a bad review on the unit. In fact, quite the opposite. Its a touch more expensive than the $1500 units I was looking at. But I am hoping it will be the last phono stage I need for a long while. 


So the last piece of the puzzle is the cartridge. My TT dealer is still pushing the Ortofons. Cadenza line as follows. Red $970, Blue $1400, and Bronze $1600. 

I hadn't asked about any Soundsmith carts and what prices he would offer me, but I am guessing it would be similar to the same kind of discount if I pushed the issue. 

If I'm not going to use the dealers discount, then so be it. Can definitely expand the search to any cart within the $1000 area. 

Still not sure what direction to go on this one. Any input would be appreciated. 
gshepardbuster's avatar
gshepardbuster
620 posts
 
I have a Cadenza Red, Cadenza Black, and a 2M Black. All for use on a Classic Signature.  Any of these I recommend. 
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