2. analog
  3. 162557-98013

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
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
If you spend some time waiting, you can get an incredible turntable on Agon for that budget.  I wanted to upgrade myslef (had a moded VPI TNT Jr.) and nailed a JR TRansrotor Rodino for under seven grand.  Incredible turntable. I was looking for Clear audio (upper models), Brinkman, Bergman, TW Acustic, SME, Kuzma, Palmer.  I kept an eye to see what came on sale and I snatched the Rodiino and couldn't be happier.  (ended up snatching an Allnic H3000 phone stage here as well a short time later).  I have the SME 5012 Arm (I got it for $2,500 recently) and still using my clearaudio strad II (looking for a used airtight not overseas...) and am in vinyl heaven.  I could not be happier.  So, key is to wait and get the best you can for your budget.  
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
For a phono stage, I would look for a used Asthetix Rhea or something similar.
frozentundra
207 posts
 
 Chungjh;

I just did what you are describing:

modestly priced is the keywords with 85% of performance of top of top on line ( I think)

Pro-Ject Classic  $899
Hana SL $700
Musical Surroundings Phenomona II.   $750

I’ve listened to it for a while & adjusting and buying albums at $2.15 & then compared to a buddies system Lyra, ARC ph3, & German table 

pretty good in comparison 
I am still dumbfounded how quiet 1970 albums are 

good luck 

jeff

chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
frozentundra

Wow, those are cheap!
jman67
5 posts
 
Chungjh. Hello, i bought them from ebay, i think from Poland. Iam using slp 98p 15 years now. I have used almost all the 6sn7 out there. Nos, new,  vt231, meltz, kenrad, rca, metal base....all.
The best results is with 6f8g. Better highs, deep bass, excellent mids. The dfference is huge with all my power amplifiers (cary v12, Radford sta25, pioneer m22...).
Best wishes
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