2. analog
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Recommendations for a modestly priced analog system

I have been listening to digital music only for a number of years. Now I am thinking of adding an analog system. I don't want to go nuts buying expensive components. I just want to get under the proverbial point of diminishing return. I have  Cary Audio 98P preamp, VAC phi 200 (planning) and Sound Lab ESL speakers. My budget from turntable to cartridge is $5-7K. I prefer buying used for the best bang for the buck. As I am getting older, I need a no fuss, durable and low maintenance system. Any recommendations?
128x128chungjh
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I can recommend Luxman PD-444 as the best bang for the buck!
Got a few of them in my system, you can add whatever tonearm you like for your cartridge.

Read more about this model here.

However, I think $7k is not a modest price for turntable, tonearm and cartridge!
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mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Chung, you have plenty of money to buy a new table. I would avoid used ones as tonearms and turntables are rather delicate devices and easily damaged. A Sota Sapphire with an Origin Live Encounter tonearm and Soundsmith Carmen cartridge will do the trick nicely. The Sapphire is totally isolated and you can get it with a dust cover. Footfall issues won't happen and you do not need any special stand to put it on. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
There are better turntables from the golden age than new Technics.
Those better turntables often even cheaper and you can use any tonearm on them including "12 inch tonearms (nothing can beat the PD-444 at $3-4k).
vinylvalet
902 posts
 
There is the very highly regarded, like new Pear Audio Kid Thomas on AA Trader at half price.
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