Help Me Build a Vinyl System

<5,000?

The Sota I own is a Star - AGon used but like new $1,250
The SME I own is the Series IV - AGON used but like new $1,000.

Retail for these 2 "like new" items about $5,000, paid $2,250. Plenty left for a good cartridge AND phono pre if needed.

Sorry for coming on strong, just a personal affection i have for Vandersteens, Sota, and Tubes (Conrad Johnson for me)

Good luck with whatever you do.

The Sota Star/Sme4 recommendation is a solid one. Also consider VPI Classic 1 combo. The Lyra Delos is a great cartridge at a reasonable price. Other cartridges to consider in that range are Benz Micro Glider II, Dynavector 17d3, Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and 2m Black,

You will also need a phono preamp if you dont have one. there are very nice ones in the 500 to 750 range, or maybe a board for the ARC.

Dear Veerapaneni: How many LPs do you own?

regards and enjoy the music,
R.

0. I dont own any LPs now.

Raul asks a very important question. My response to your answer is to suggest that you sit down, take a deep breath and do nothing for now. Let me explain...

I'm a vinylphile; I love absolutely everything about records. I love shopping for them, cleaning them, getting my set up spot on and of course playing records. I like holding the record and reading the liner notes while listening. (OK I lied, I don't like cleaning them!) But vinyl is a major committment, can be costly and requires a fair amount of space. Which leads to questions that only you can answer before making any decisions:

What are you trying to accomplish by diving into vinyl? In order for us to provide good advice, we need to understand what you are seeking... Are you unsatified with your current digital rig? Do you know if has been optimally set up?

Do you have access to the type of music you want on vinyl at prices you are willing to pay?

What level of financial investment are you willing to make. Equally important, what investment of time are willing to make? Many folks try vinyl but do not achieve a satisfactory result; oft times because they haven't been shown how to optimally set up their system. BTW, whatever your budget is, you will end up spending more ; -)