TT/ cartridge recommendations $1000

hi musicdoc,

my oracle cost me $850 w/a grace 727 tonearm & some decent mm cartridge i don't even remember, cuz i told the dealer to keep it. 'course, i spent money on it to have it updated to to mk-v specs (everyting except the power supply), so, the final cost (including shipping & a gnu box purchased from oracle) was $1250. excellent analog rigs *can* be found for around $1k...

regards, doug s.

How does a VPI Jr with a Audioquest PT7 arm and Benz micro glider sound, 2 yrs old for about $1000 ?

I would bet it sounds pretty good - a caveat being to check out the stylus on the Glider. The VPI Jr. is a good choice, as it has the upgrade path option if you decide to pursue vinyl more seriously. I also believe that the AQ arm can be upgraded to PT8 with a phono cable substitution. I've not heard it but it has a good rep. The Glider is a pretty good cart. I had a LO.4 and was quite happy with it. Also, make sure that the output of the Benz is compatible to your phono stage.
Happy Listening, -John

bigo, this sounds like a good deal. but, for me personally, if i were looking for a good used analog set-up, i'd be more inclined to look for a better 'table, w/a less-good cartridge, & upgrade the cartridge at a later date. i.e., perhaps try to find a vpi mk-iv w/a retail-price cartridge of ~$200, instead of the jr. w/a cartridge that retails for $750 like the glider... but, as musicdoc states, the vpi jr *is* upgradable...

doug s.

Its been a long time since I bought an analog front end, but my past experience was that an upgraded cart. always had a major impact on the sound. Course this was with MM on 70s era AR and Dual TTs.