Best Turntable/arm/cartridge system for $30k

Why not just chop this figure way down to something more reasonable. It's a great possibility that vinyl ain't your thing? I would if I were you, look to buy a table like the VPI super scout or master model. There easy to run they set up easy and there built very well, and there easy to sell and recoup most of your investment. I would plunge into vinyl slowly. And if you enjoy it, and it brings you more pleasure where Cd did not, then dive into it.

Greetings to all. Really appreciate all your replies. I still enjoy listening to SACDs thru my Accuphase combo. Well recorded SACDs always sounded open, natural and almost life-like. I will continue to collect SACDs eventhough fewer labels are producing them now. My opinions on CDs may seem critical. I just feel CDs sounded relatively flat, veiled and edged even with all the upsamplings. I chose not to replace my Accuphase combo but to invest in a good analog system. I will need to add a good phono amp though.

Sounds like your mind is made up.

In order to be sure of getting the best, maybe go used here on A'gon.

If you find a supportive seller, you might be able to pick up a $60000 rig for only $30000.

Mapman, the only problem with your recommendation is that Arwp would not hear what he is buying before he buys it.

I would agree that most shows are quite poor for auditioning components. I go to most and have seldom hear anything apart from a quick comparison with and without something that resulted in my buying something. The best circumstance is to compare components in your home, but this is largely impossible. I would not trust reviews either. We all have only our ears and few have the same frequency response in their hearing.