2. analog
  3. 1064785054

Advice wanted on mid range setup

Hi,

Having heard an SME 30 setup blow away a DCS elgar digital at Sound by Singer last year, I am finally ready to get back into analog. (BTW, it was an all out assualt: All boulder electronics, into the JM labs grand utopia using a chesky reissue lp against the same recording on CD. It only took about 10 seconds to come to the conclusion, it was by no means a sublte difference)
My idea was to see if I could find software, stating this weekend. So far, after 2 days of hunting, I have about 70 lps. Cost: Zero.

People will just give this stuff away, amazing. So, I am humbly asking the advice of the analog denziens here for ideas on a rig that will be of matching performance to the rest of my system.

Currently, I have ARC electronics (LS16 MK2, VT100 MK3, CD), running through audioquest cabling (diamond X3 silver balanced interconnects, Caldera Biwire for the speakers) Speakers are Martin Logan Ascents and room treatment is by ASC

I Would like to spend an upper limit of $7,000, including phono stage (tubes, if possible), arm, TT, cartidge, and interconnects. I would be looking for used stuff here on Audiogon, with the possible exception of the cartridge. I have some reservations about buying a pre owned cartridge: is this a valid fear?

Thanks in advance for all you help.
rlips
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Rlips, if my relatively recent experience can help, please let me know. You seem to have a good handle on both your likes and your process.
rlips OP
105 posts
 
Doug,

Thank you. I primarily find myself listening to classical and Jazz, almost exclusively accustical Jazz. I don't seem to get as much pleasure out of electric instruments, I suppose that I have no reference in my mind as to how they should sound.

With my penechant towards tubes, I have found I like a relaxed, but resolved sound. I am not really interested in "Slam", although sound stage depth is important.

I live in New Jersey, but travel extensively, and would certainly love the opportunity to hear some systems if possible. I suppose at this point, I am intersted in hearing different systems.

Best regards,

Ron
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
We do virtually all classical, though I do have one jazz LP and two CD's! We also like tubes, but otherwise our systems seem quite different.

I'm in central CT. My schedule is very tightly booked (whose isn't these days?), but email me if you're ever passing through.
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