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How Much Is TOO MUCH for a Analog front End?

Hello All
I have a question hopefully you can help me decide.After having had the "bug" (you all know what I mean) for much of my fomative years, I have reached a point in my evolution that I've got the urge to upgrade my front end to that last step.
What I am contemplating is a purchase I am almost afraid to make. Having read soo much about these killer tables from various "cottage" companies (Teres,Redpoint,Galibier,etc) I have really got the itch.Not that my current front end isn't giving me enjoyment.It consists of a VPI HW-19 mk III in between 3 and four status, twl modded OL Silver arm,with various carts, a 103,Dyna DV-20X etc.,
but what I'm getting hot and heavy about is a Galibier Gavia,Schroder mod 2 or maybe Redpoint Medel B with the same mod 2 arm?
but were talking roughly $9-10k not exactly lunch money.
So this brings us to the question How much is TOO much for a table/arm set up? (now thinking about it this maybe the wrong place to ask this question lol) should it be in proportion to my income?
give me some input.In all honesty, I won't be able to purchase it til maybe August If I start saving now.
Please give me some indication,as I am bordering on an Intervention!!

HELP ME!
braab
braab8
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,470 posts
 
I suggest that you listen to your dream setup and see if it is something that you are willing to spend the money for. Listen also to things less expensive and things more expensive and make an informed decision.
schipo
1,268 posts
 
you have a fine front end I myself have a VPI Hw-19 yes i will upgrade but i just don't beieve we have to spend thirty thousand plus to have a first class analog system.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Braab8,

You may have answered your own question. You've certainly hinted at an answer. If spending a certain sum for a certain item would cause you to feel stessed, guilty, financially stretched, etc. then that is too much for you to spend. Of course only you can weigh those emotional and financial factors.

Stringreen's advice is reasonable but perhaps premature. Listening to a "dream" setup that you ultimately decide you can't afford may not be the best move. Better to decide on a budget you can live with first, then listen to things that seem within reach.

We've had visits from several A'goners in the last year. Several of them ended up spending a great deal more money than they planned. One recent visitor came to hear a Teres table. He ended up buying a used Teres/Schroeder and he's very happy. Somewhat to his surprise, he has also ended up buying our cartridge, preamp, amp and even RCM! That little visit cost him $16-18K more than he'd planned, and that was with finding everything used.

So be careful what you audition, you might like it!
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