The best way to start adding A=analog to my system

@saulh - My analogue journey started back in 1981 and through the years I’ve owned one turntable, but that has been modified and tweaked many times, and several phono stages and cartridges,

Throughout all of those purchases the one thing that really stood out and has lasted, is my phono stage - a Simmaudio MOON LP5.3 RS

• it can be configured to almost any cartridge - both MM and MC
• is sounds amazing - very detailed, very neutral, great imaging
• it has a really low noise floor - no hums or hiss
• the latest version of the LP5.2 RS is the 310LP
• MOON’s entry level is the 110LP v2, which is also very good
• and they also offer two higher resolving models
• https://simaudio.com/en/product-category/phono-preamplifiers/
• MOON products also respond very favorably when used with very good cables
  • some models have the option for a seperate power supply
  • but I use a very good power cable and the improvements were very noticeble

So that might be something to consider in your initial purchase, because once you have a good phono stage, it allows you to really hear what the cartridge and turntable can do

I have also tried several brands of phono stage, but the MOON really stood head and shoulders above all the others.

Once you have a good phono stage you can focus on the other aspects of your analogue components.

Cartridges will change over the years

• I have opted for a modified Denon DL 103 that has a Soundsmith cantilever/stylus
• but there are literally 100’s to choose from

Turntables/arms may change until you get one that you are happy with

• my favourite brand right now is Music Hall
  • vbiration isolation is at the forefront of their designs
  • their arms are very well designed
  • they have a large range of products
  • I would select a model that has an acrylic platter

Hope that provides some assistance

Regards - Steve

The size of your collection of LP's is not made known, if there is the need to create a LP Collection, this can quickly create a cost that is quite substantial.

Buying Cheap Vinyl can get one a large collection speedily, but the enjoyment of the vinyl experience and replaying LP's can cause disturbing concerns for the stylus if the source materials is noticeably imperfect. 

If a collection is desired to be owned, as a start place I would suggest a selection of New or Used  VGC Condition LP's from your preferred performers are purchased and experienced with some of the TT's that are being considered for your TT Set Up.

If the Albums are familiar to you in another medium, then the impact of them being replayed as an LP, will be identifiable.

Once the level of playback quality for the vinyl is established, a estimate of the  quantity of vinyl that would like to be collected can then be budgeted for.

This will assist with getting a grasp on the estimated total a new TT set up and LP collection can accumulate to.

There are most commonly Belt Drive and Direct Drive TT's available as New Models, each has their own fan clubs. To broaden the experience, it might be worthwhile experiencing each drive type as part of a pre-purchase investigation...

Saul,

The Clearaudios offer a substantial discount for cartridges with a new purchase, so it is likely a good idea to take advantage of that, say with either the Concept MC or one of the Hana's, or other.  Your dealer will likely give you the same discount option with another cartridge. But with an inferior cartridge, you'll never hear what you're paying up to attain.

 If you must make compromises for now on the excellent Clearaudio Performance setup, the Satisfy Carbon tonearm is a reasonable substitute for the Tracer and can be easily swapped out later.

Origin Live recommend a budget of

30% on turntable

30% on tonearm

30% on phone preamp

10% on cartridge

I agree with that assessment. However I would alter this for the first setup. I’d start with a turntable and arm combo and and an appropriate priced cartridge and phono preamp. Maybe 10 % cartridge and 15% phono preamp.. Then, upgrade the phono preamp ASAP when the budget allows.

@saulh , you have a very nice system, Cheaping out on a turntable would be a big mistake. Good systems will make a bad turntable sound worse. A turntable/tonearm combination that would fit in with your system is going to cost a minimum of $9,000 and that is not including the cartridge which will be another $4000 plus and we have not gotten to the phono stage yet. 

If you are not ready to spend this kind of money yet I would hold on and continue saving. Buying something you are going to be unhappy with is a waste of money. Do it right and do it once. I think the perfect table for you would be a Basis 2200 Signature with a Vector 4 arm. That is around $15,000. You could probably get it down to $13,000 with the right dealer. Cartridges are disposable items so if you have to save money get a Lyra Delos to start and down the line get an Etna. 

I'm assuming you do not yet have a record collection. You have to seed a collection at the start. Put $1500 aside to buy 50 or so records then buy an average of a record a week. If you just buy a few records at the beginning the tendency is to listen to them over and over. You get bored with them and they get worn with frequent playing. Down the line you buy a few more record which you wind up playing the same way. You  build a collection of worn records you are bored with. If you buy 50 to start and continue adding on you will always have new music to enjoy and will build a collection of pristine records.