Help me pick a phono, pre and cart

@atmasphere  Thanks- Any suggestion on playter pad upgrade?

@stringreen I was just at John Rutan’s a couple of weeks ago, listening to the new Ayre EX-8 integrated.
As far as TT’s go, he carries VPI, and Clear Audio, which is the reason I was considering a Prime TT. It seems difficult to find places where I can audition A/B comparisons on turntables. Never mind cartridges. 

I actually like the idea of getting an older Technics or Garrard, but the realistic vs idealistic debate inside my brain leaves me leaning towards a new TT, set-up, calibrated, and delivered set up and ready to go.  

@rauliruegas I’m certain you have an expert opinion to debate with others, yet at this point the debate of SS vs Tube phono pre-amps is irrelevant to my decision. I’d appreciate it if you’d take the discussion to a different thread or engage privately with those that wish to debate the point. Thanks 
Jim

Dear @jetson : All of us live in a free world and you and me are part of rthat world. Internet forums are part of that free world. Before what you call " debate " my last post in the thread said to you: " Good Luck ".
Was other member and latter other ones whom started asking something " about ".

In the other side, in your last post you said: " is irrelevant to my decision " when in your thread posted why is relevant to your decision even if you don't like it that " debate " or that you just don't care:

""  I’m looking for help in picking a phono player pre and cart .

Right now my main thoughts are VPI Prime Scout or Prime with Grado Statement series cart, and an Ayre Px-5e pre.
In addition to specific item recommendations, I’m very interested in how to split the budget item wise. In other words more or less on player vs cart vs pre, I.e. Scout with Statement2 or Prime with Reference2 for example. Or go higher than 20-30% on the pre?
I lean towards spending the most on what’s least upgradeable.... """

why are you looking for?, I hope that to listen MUSIC in the best way you can do it no matter what: rigth? but if you " are looking for.." something different then I agree that is totally irrelevant for you.

@almarg  told you about the problem on impedances and you received a Herron answer that was unspecific about, not a precise and kowledge answer:

""  We have VTPH-2A customers that are using preamplifiers with 20k Ohms RCA single ended input impedances that are pleased with the sound. ....."""

that means almost nothing because you don't know the audio items in all those customers including how low goes the speakers vs your new ones.

"""  I researched at his site, and although much of the specifics is beyond my knowledge, I like his design approach.....................
@almarg Thanks for bringing the input impedance requirements of the VTPH-2A to my attention.

Would I be better off getting a different used pre that’s a better match to the Ax-7 for now?   """


Beyond your knowledge? I can see why the " debate " is irrelevant to you.

R.

rauliruegas"Btw, another " stupid " statement"

Yes of course Raul everyone who disagrees with you is stupid or they are ignorant or they need to grow up or they enjoy DISTORTION and NOT THE MUSIC or they lack your extensive experience, knowledge and understanding or they cannot fathom your insight, intuition and technical competence you are the infallible, omniscient, unquestioned authority on all things that you post about related to Music Reproduction Systems actually I think you should have everyone's posting privledges here summarily revoked because it makes it more difficult and challenging for truth seekers to know the truth about music and DISTORTION.