2. analog
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Table,cartridge,phono...where to put most of my money?

  Let me start by saying im a digital guy,to be specific a CD/SACD guy.Years ago I ventured back into vinyl only to be totally disappointed in my efforts.I wanted to hear the records I had been hauling around the country every time i relocated.I  bought a Linn LP12 and had  all the upgrades done.I never could get it sounding good,even paid to have it setup by a so called expert...Fast forward ,I tried again maybe 6 years ago.Bought a VPI super scout with a couple different phono stages(dont recall what they were)..About the same outcome,was ok but for all the fuss,time,cost I felt another unsuccessful attempt..A few weeks ago i bought at an auction a direct drive Pioneer table from the 70s for a couple hundred.It was paired with a decent cartridge.I bought a used phone amp off ebay and off and rolling i went.Its no where near my digital side across the board and i didnt expect it to be but its got me wanting more....Long story short,I have a budget of 5k/6k for everything..table,cartridge and phone amp..Yes i understand everything is important but where would you put the bulk of the budget...and what would you buy with the limited info given,,Thanks

missioncoonery
theflattire
194 posts
 

I always thought 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 was a good starting point.

That way, there should be no bottlenecks or weak links and hopefully each component should be bringing out the best of the other.

A $1500 TT, cart, and phono stage, I think is a great start!  Of course it helps to do your homework and spend wisely.

grislybutter
3,122 posts
 

I would try the little things first:

record cleaning, if you can go to a local shop where they let you do it

isolation/vibration management, make sure no resonance from e.g. a sub

stylus tracking force pressure gauge - $30 on amazon

for me the biggest improvement was the phono stage.

I think you have to have really great speakers and amplification to make spending 5K worthwhile. 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,927 posts
 

Just setup a very lovely sounding combo of MoFi Ultradeck, Lyra Delos and Musical Surroundings Nova III phono…. but there are thousands of extraordinary combo possibilities in your general budget range….

Have fun…enjoy the music ;-) 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,927 posts
 

A great $5-6K front end will be immediately apparent with a $1K set of Maggie LRS…. 

dayglow
1,917 posts
 

Spend the majority of money on the turntable. The Technics SL-1200G is a no brainer for a true entry level HI/End deck. At $4500 for 1200G this leaves $1500 leftover. Allocate the least possible amount for a solid cartridge(Ortofon 2M Blue) then add a Bel Canto phono preamp(e. One) $1500 new $1k used. This set up will give you several future cartridge MM/MC upgrade options.

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