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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
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rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear @uwiikz :  These are good alternatives for your " learning cartridge. The Windfeld is an ecellent performer at an ecellent price, it can challenge easy the one you bougth with the Kuzma TT:


https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa51dg-kuzma-car-40-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa5791-dynavector-karat-17dx-brand-new-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa7gii-ortofon-mc-windfeld-brand-new-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa8869-ortofon-cadenza-bronze-cartridges

R.
terry9
2,353 posts
 
Cartridge: Disclaimer - I have no recent experience with inexpensive cartridges. But, you fell in love with Miyajima - do they sell an inexpensive one? I have heard and read good things about the Nagaoka line, it is or was the factory recommendation for a good line of turntables. What does your dealer say?

Don’t buy used!!! Except from your dealer or another trusted source. Not until you have more experience.

May I also suggest an inexpensive alignment protractor, and an inexpensive torque screwdriver? Even an experienced user can tighten one side of the cartridge much more than the other - at least, I have. But not with a torque screwdriver.

You don’t have to use the stuff right away, or even ever. Just having it around will help. Imagine using it, get a friend or dealer to show you how, eventually install a $50 cartridge several times. Use it on a record that you don’t value much. And if you never do use the setup equipment, so what? One of my audio friends with a higher end system (but not quite where you are) won’t even think about it. His friends do it for him, and gladly.

Good luck and good listening.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,575 posts
 
@uwiikz,

I am with terry9 on ‘don’t buy used cartridges’. You just never know how others have handled the cart. Being a newbie, you don’t want the headache if it is working or sound they way it should.

If you’re going to be playing with carts, then I highly recommend couple of must have accessories,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076DFZDS4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ERPWAK2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://highend-electronics.com/products/nasotec-tweezers

https://elusivedisc.com/vinyl-center-hole-reamer/

https://www.amazon.com/Last-Stylus-Cleaner-Stylast-Pkg/dp/B004XDTUS8/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1ULTQI4R9GR51&a...

https://www.amazon.com/KAIU-Vinyl-Record-Stylus-Cleaning/dp/B088M9Z2P3/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywo...

And remember, no LP goes on spinning platter until it’s cleaned, even the new ones! Your investment in RCM shouldn’t be a afterthought. Welcome to world of analog 😊
terry9
2,353 posts
 
Cartridge: You might also consider Soundsmith. The owner gives talks and makes a lot of sense (Peter Ledermann). Some knowledgeable people speak very highly of his products.
best-groove's avatar
best-groove
844 posts
 
Do you not read the thread before you post ??

obviously you might also be right!
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