Just retired and want to get back to vinyl listening

Hi Steve -  First of all, I have a MAJOR problem that causes me to analyze the performance of my gear.  Over the last year, I have switched amps 5 times and speakers 3 times (not to mention DACs, SACD players, speaker cables and interconnects. Since "ugradeitis" is normally in play, I always find a way to justify these frivolous expenditures - and I have a very understanding wife!  Even now, I am tempted with replacing my Accuphase E-600 with the $21,000 Luxman MQ-300 tube amp. 

During my quest, I have auditioned or owned Arcam, PrimaLuna, Luxman, Gato, Esoteric, Pass, Plinius and Accuphase integrated amps.  I still own Gato AMP-150 and PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium Integrated amps.

Without going into the reasons and circumstances for each purchase, I will tell you that my biggest regret was not leaving well enough alone and keeping my Luxman L-590AX and D-06U SACD player/DAC.  Several amps and $$$$ later, I have incrementally gone up the sonic "food chain" but not by orders of magnitude.  If I had to do it again, it would be the Luxman L-590AX II and I would call it a day.


Other than the value proposition the Luxman has over the Accuphase, here are my thoughts on the differences:

Overall realism and purity of sound:   Probably a tie.
Bass Authority: Accuphase
Soundstage: Luxman
Warmth: Slight edge to Luxman (more "tube-like sound)
Detail: Slight edge to Accuphase

It is important to note that synergy of components, interconnects and even power cords will have an impact on performance as well as room acoustics.  As others have mentioned, TAKE YOUR TIME and enjoy the process.  Work with a couple of reputable local dealers and always try to audition the gear at your home.  

The most important thing to remember is that NOTHING that anyone tells you on this forum is gospel.  What appeals to your ears is the only thing that matters. Having said that, everything sounds great until you hear something better so make sure you can establish the point of diminishing returns (something I obviously cannot do!)  The good news is that you are considering some really good gear and your budget will allow to assemble a first-class system!
 

co93

One thing I mention that is rarely brought up is cartridges where they stylus extends past the body of the cartridge versus those there the stylus hangs below it .   The former are more exposed to damage.

 How can a cartridge trace a groove if the stylus doesn't extend below it?

greginnh, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. As far as gear, I've been the opposite of you, probably due to financial concerns more than anything, so I always am conscious of my huge lack of experience here. I think when mountainsong sold the amp to me, it was also to fund higher end Luxman separates.
L.

@greginnh - I think you make a point--"everything sounds great until you hear something better" that is worth underscoring, whatever the budget.  If someone hasn't been around the audio scene in a while, they may not appreciate how far we have come in a number of areas (though I'm a big advocate of vintage stuff too).  That can help establish a benchmark for what a good system is capable of reproducing. Granted, our sonic "memories" are short, but there is value in hearing what a top system is able to do and why it is regarded as such. I would think a reputable dealer, if approached honestly about this (with an appointment arranged in advance) ought to be willing to let a prospective buyer at X budget hear what that dealer's "top system" is capable of, if only to show that the dealer is able to assemble a system at lesser cost which has some of the virtues the buyer prizes--
@inna - the inability to compare all prospective brands at one shop is a real concern that I mentioned in my post. At the level of the gear you are talking about--very expensive stuff- I would ask dealer A to work with dealer B to allow a comparison within one of their shops. Not sure if this would work-- home trial is best, of course, but apart from specialty dealers selling top dollar stuff and places like Music Direct that offer a no questions asked return policy, that may be the only way, apart from having a friend or colleague drag their own piece of equipment over. 
I know I'm pushing the 'use a dealer' theme, but that's where they pay off- I had one dealer back East who had no problem bringing pieces to my home (sometimes, with the manufacturer) for home trial. And, I didn't always cut a check. 
The limited opportunity to make real comparisons is not confined to new or returning to the fold audiophiles-- we all suffer from it to a degree--which, I think, explains some of the turnover in gear. 
A friend with a killer system and a few connections also isn't a bad thing to have. I know a couple of different hot beds of enthusiasts in different parts of the country who are constantly trying out new and different stuff. One can benefit from their reach and participate in the listening sessions if the opportunity presents itself. 

@greginnh & @whart

I wholeheartedly echo your last post’s ~ been there done that.  

You're not alone with this 'MAJOR'problem. Many of us always looking for ways to push the performance of your existing gear. It's a uncurable disease :-)