2. analog
  3. 131223-99020

My jazz collection told me to get a *real* system

So I’m determined to put together my first serious analog system, having subsisted on entry-level NAD TT, integrated and phono amp for over 10 years. My tastes are very eclectic, but I’ve put together a nice jazz collection and that’s what’s really crying out. I’m looking at a budget of about $8K over the next 12-18 months. Yeah, that’s the trick: This ain’t gonna happen over night. But I’m willing to be patient with imbalances in my system as long as I’m headed in the right direction. And I’d rather go the route of buying the gear I really want for the long term rather than stop gaps and labor intensive upgrade paths etc. My life just doesn’t have room for that.

N.B.: Looking to stay SS, likely integrated+phono preamp configuration. Really just talking about the table, cart, and amplification ... speakers and ICs are OK for now.

Questions:
1) How would you divvy up the dough?
2) In what order would you buy the components?
3) Top 3 recommendations within each component category?
4) Other crucial considerations?

Appreciate the wisdom!
128x128jazztherapist
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Jazz,
I believe that referral to Tone Of Music Audio is a very good idea. They certainly carriy a high quality selection of tube and solid state electronics. If they are good dealers you should have an opportunity to hear and be exposed to some terrific sounding products.  . It may take some time and patience but would be worth it in the long term. Let your ears acclimate to these high quality audio products. You'll begin to identify what type of sound draws you more into the music. 
Charles
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
I've owned an M97xE and Ortofon OM10. I gave those to my stepson.
I own an Audio Technica AT-MONO3/LP HOMC cartridge for playing my mono LPs.

I still own a Denon DL160, a Shelter 201, and an Audio Technica AT150MLX which--through a stylus swap--is now an AT150Sa, which has an aluminum pipe cantilever and nude Shibata stylus instead of the MLX's boron cantilever and MicroLine stylus. 

I really liked the MLX, but I like the AT150Sa that much better. It has a better tracking top end and the tonal balance and timbre are more natural and less "hi-fi." It totally leaves the Shure M97xE, Denon DL160, and Shelter 201 in the dust--more neutral, better tracking, smoother presentation yet more detailed, quicker, and especially more involving and musically satisfying.

Audio Technica AT150SA has been discontinued but LpGear still has the AT150SA on closeout for $271.98. The AT150MLX used to be a $549 cartridge, so this is an exceptional value.

Furthermore, if you want newer and better, Audio Technica upgraded the AT150 cartridge design to the new VM series. The cartridge itself has been reworked with a new, more efficient coil design and a center shield plate to increase L-R separation. One model is the VM760SLC with special line contact stylus for $649. The other is the VM750SA with Shibata for $349.

At any rate, at $271.98, the AT150SA is stupid good for the money, and the Shibata stylus lasts longer than most.
jazztherapist's avatar
jazztherapist OP
21 posts
 
Thanks for the tip, johnnyb53!
inna
7,296 posts
 
I would try Nagaoka cartridge if it is compatible with your tonearm, get it at lpgear.com, prices are $110-$750, I think.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
I would try Nagaoka cartridge if it is compatible with your tonearm, get it at lpgear.com, prices are $110-$750, I think.

Speaking of compatibility, the first cartridge on my turntable was a Shure M97xE. I never had to make any adjustments in effective mass when I switched to the AT150MLX or AT150Sa. Their cartridge weights and dynamic compliance ratings were in the same range as the Shure M97xE.
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