Newbie to analog: Hi end rigs $2-5K on used market

I'm running a clearaudio unify arm (925) w/ a Grado Sonata (500) mounted to a clearaudio evolution table which I purchased used on Audiogon for $1K. The Unify (unipivot) hasn't gotten too much press, but I have found it to be superior to my previous OL RB 250. Cartridge matching with the unipivot is important, but I have found the Sonata to work very well, and the MM Grado makes pre-amp issues a little less complex than MC. I currently use an AES PH-1 (600 assembled, 400 kit), but I agree that the ARC unit is a superb choice. I have checked into the Teres table, and I have been very impressed by what I have read. It is also a great value. Something I would also seriously consider. All rigs will require some set-up and some patience, but that's vinyl, right?

Mike,

I recently got back in to analog. After a great amount of shopping I ended up with a Nottingham Hyperspace/Spacearm/Dynavector 17d2 combo. My last turntable setup (about 2 1/2 years ago) was a Linn LP12. I like the Nottingham better than the LP12. The Nott has a warm, yet detailed presentation (more detailed than the LP12, but not as warm). But the best thing is that it is so much easier to setup than the LP12. This was the reason I sold the LP12, it is a great table but very finicky. I would suggest listenign to the NOtt and also the Michell.

I second the Hyperspace/Spacearm. The best combo under $10,000 I have ever heard.

Email me if you have any question !

Good luck.

As long as your looking for a pre-amp, check out the phono pre amp from bear labs (www.bearlabs.com). I'm not affiliated, just a satisfied customer, and have compared it to, among others, The Groove, Aesthetix Io, Jadis JP 200, Klyne, CAT and other high end phono stages, and to my ears it bests the strengths of any of them, and, more importantly, drags me back into listening too long because it is so inherently musical--works with the lowest output moving coil cartridges, allows for impedance adjustment, and can be set via switch for mm if that's your preference. I have no desire to try anything else.

I would highly recommend the Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm combo (around $2000 street price) + Shelter 501 ($700).

You would have to spend a lot more to get the same performance of this table/arm/cartridge.