I sort of chuckle when I read some of the stratospheric cost figures that got tossed out here for sound reproduction systems. Personally, I'd take that same "budget" and attend more *live* music events, where the sound is, well, the sound you're trying to replicate in your room. I'm fortunate enough to live in an area that supports a wide range of live musical performances, so I get my fill of classical, jazz, and rock performances--these are my true "reference" system.
Do I buy an upscale TT?
I recently heard a $50K TT at a friend’s and was floored by the performance.
It was a sound from a system I have never heard.
I have a very nice Woodsong Garrard 301, Tri-Planar arm and Grado Epoch 3 cartridge. Going into an Atma-Sphere MP-1 pre wt phono.
Discovered an affordable TT based on the Legendary Commonwealth idler drive TT (said to be among the best). One is $8500 and the other more elaborate one is $15K.
And there is another highly modified brass Garrard 401 for $10K. (said to be as good as the Commonwealth)
The big question is whether or not I am going to be pleased with the improvement in sound? There will certainly be a lot of hassle to change TTs!
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Since this system is owned by a friend I assume that he would help you analyze this opportunity to upgrade. Do you and your friend both have CD players hooked up to your systems? If so you can start with a simple comparison that will answer a lot of questions. Note: When I say Turntable I mean the entire system including tonearm and cartridge. Pick a vinyl record and the corresponding CD title from your collection that is good demo material. If you lack either the CD or the record, buy it. Compare the CD and the vinyl on your system and note the differences - frequency response, detail, soundstaging, etc. Take the CD and vinyl to your friend's house and do the same. Does his TT blow away the CD? What are the differences there? Does the CD sound amazing too? This test can be valuable for a couple of reasons: 1) CD players are much more uniform in SQ than turntables so they can provide a good reference, and 2) If you hear substantial differences between your friend's TT and CD player it will help you analyze what you are hearing and what appeals to you. This is easier than @tomic601 's suggestion of lugging your TT to your friend's house but I heartily endorse his idea too. Before you contemplate spending tens of thousands of dollars it would make sense to do some due diligence. Besides, geeking out with your audio buddy is a great way to spend an afternoon. |
Hipsterjefe If you can have both , expensive system and able to go to live music why not? Here in Illinois I live close to Ravinia festival.and 30 minutes from Genesse theater where they have good line up of musicians. So I ussually attend live music as well. I hope I can attend where Patricia Barber plays with her band in Chicago, I live 30 minutes from Chicago as well. |
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