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.
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
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I have 100s of LPS so going out and buying more is not necessary. I still have a vacuum record cleaner from the last attempt that I've already busted out of the closet along with a lot of lp tools...this system consist of Pass labs int60 as its power into Dynaudio confidence 20s w Rel S510 stereo pair |
OK, from your story, there is one thing that is certain. The problem was unlikely to be with the turntables you bought. Both are outstanding. So, I would look at your phonostage. My rule of thumb is that each component should be carefully chosen and generally of equal investment… so Turntable = Phono stage = preamp = amp. Then what @theflattire said sounds reasonable… 1/3 each. But given your previous experience, I definitely do not think you should be considering choosing pieces. You should get a pre configured table like a Linn LP12 Majik, or VPI. VPI offers cartridges, you talk to them about the sound characteristics you seek and they will recommend the cartridge. I am not a big Rega fan… but also a good choice.
So, do you want to put out $10K? Or invest the $10K in getting better sound from your digital end? I have equivalent sound quality from both my analog end and digital end. But, I am an old fart who has been collecting records since the late 1960’s. If you are drawn to it.. go for it.
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