2. analog
  3. 163962-155552

The best TT system for under 30K

Hi agoners! 

I have been floored by Kuzma Stabi XL DC with 4 points TA on a recent audition. It was extremely analog sounding, insane details with speed, beat and clarity that made me wonder if I am listening to a live concert, just can’t help my toe tapping. Was comparing the sound to the top of the line Accuphase CD player with the same rest of system and it was no contest. 

Switching from Accuphase CD player to Kuzma XL DC was sounding like adding a pair of subwoofer and going up 2-3 levels on the rest of the system. Mind you the rest of the system was Accuphase E-650 class A integrated that should favor the Accuphase same brand CD player but that wasn’t the case. The speaker was Kerr Acoustics K300 under 10K entry level bookshelf and the sound of the entire entry level system armed with Kuzma XL DC beat the hell out of the entire super high end system the dealer has on the other listening room with Avalon PM3 speakers, Accuphase A-250 monos, Audionet Stern Preamp with Accuphase CD player. 

However obviously I cannot afford the whole set of Kuzma XL DC considering I am also in the process of upgrading my existing system. What will be the closest contender in the US$30.000 retail price range that has the same sonic signature as Kuzma XL DC? 

Thanks in advance for any advices!!
uwiikz
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I think I paid less than $30k for all the gear on this image, purchased everything used step by step, market value can be more and retail is much more... Actually it’s much more than one person need (many speakers, turntables, tonearms, cartridges, cables, phono stages etc).

But when I see a person willing to spend $30k on one turntable alone, without knowing much about analog and being a victim of the high-end propaganda, I think it’s some sort of illness. Looking for a cartridges at $5000-8000 price tag as a started is definitely not right. Don’t let them rip you off. In fact you can buy so many cartridges, tonearms, turntables for $30k instead of one, so it's the only way to understand, there is not such things as "best" for everyone, you can only try and compare yourself. 
terry9
2,353 posts
 
Raul, you say the the OP will tire of his cartridge long before it wears out. I'm not so sure.

He is using a Miyajima cartridge, probably better than the one which I own, which is the Zero (a mono offering). I can say unequivocally that the Zero is in the same league as the DC Koetsu; lacking the ultimate refinement, but then one does expect to get SOMETHING for an extra $10K. So my experience with Miyajima is very positive.

I think it likely that the OP will continue to enjoy his Miyajima for decades to come - maybe not as his primary cartridge, but as an enjoyable alternative nevertheless. Decades. I do not think that you are being rational in this, and that is before we even consider the sonic benefits.

Further, there are the sonic benefits of US - not subtle to my ears, much greater than the difference between the Koetsu and Miyajima. I say, "Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you."
terry9
2,353 posts
 
uwiiks, you have some fabulous equipment there, so just a word of caution. The magnets in your cartridge are very powerful. Do not let anything which is magnetic get anywhere near them. No watch straps, no coins, only tools - and even then, not too close and only when carefully controlled.

Don't ask me how I know. Good luck! 


whart's avatar
whart
3,053 posts
 
@chakster - I think your taking shots at the high end through this new user's thread is a little misplaced. You seem to know old MM cartridges well based on what I've seen and that's a valuable contribution. The turntable this person bought is a good one based on my experience with it. Perhaps you should take your own advice, to the effect "that there is not such things as "best" for everyone, you can only try and compare yourself." The poster did get to hear the table and is buying the set up at what is apparently a good price. Don't begrudge him that. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Miyajima is great cartridge and it’s not necessary to pay over $5k, some of the best Miyajima like Kansui (or even Madake) available for $2-3k with very low hrs of use. I have Miyajima Kansui (NOS).

As pointed out in another thread Miyajima is a trademark of Otono-Edison. In Japan those cartridges called Edison. The name Miyajima is for export sales only. 
More to discover