2. analog
  3. 1072372343

Newbie, looking for giant killer front end

gentlemen, looking for giant killer analogue
front end, ie; can a $3000 system slay the
mega buck systems???

I would appreciate recomendations.

Best regards, Jim Charron
jimpcn
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
For $3k you can get a good analog front end- I will allow those who are the analog guru's make suggestions. I will say that the mega-buck analog front ends are fantastic, and feel that you will get a good analog rig for $3k but it will not perform to the level of a high end SME, Rockport, Walker or VPI(TNT-HRX). I don't know of anyone who's system doesn't have some sort of compromise, its part of this hobby. What I am trying to say is don't lose sleep trying to get the performance of SOTA components when you have a budget to consider, its a losing battle unfortunately, listen to what folks here recommend and get the best you can for your money and forget about the really esoteric stuff :)
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
I'm spending around $1,800 for TT, cartridge, used Goldmund cones and a used floating suspension. Add to that the Monolithic Sound phonostage ($550) and a set of short IC's ($275) from phono stage to linestage. I am starting to get some killer sound (w/o tonearm rewiring or TT cables), but I've taken a very unorthodox approach to this matter. My rig will need around $6K to be surpassed, if at all. I am using a KAB modded Technics SL-1200MKII w/ a modded Stanton Groovemaster. The deck's sound is accurate and neutral and the cartridge has a sound that is extremely musical, tight and neat, with a midrange that is close to that of $1,500 moving coils...

I do use a cryo'ed Absolute Power Cord for the phono stage's outnoard power supply and a Tice PC3 for my TT's outboard power supply, both plugged to a Clear Image T4 quad isolation transformer/filter array and run through a 220V transformer and a medical grade AC regenerator. The quality of your electricity will have a lot to do with final results.
natnic
33 posts
 
Look at the Well Tempered Line. Its a Giant Killer . Used its a steal.
rlapporte
62 posts
 
I want to second the motion made by Natnic. Check out he Well Tempered Tables. I have been familiar with them and followed their evolution ever since Bill Firebough first introduced the arm in the early 80s at Vegas CES and I mounted them on VPIs. I have heard most of the line and have a Reference model with a Grado around the house, as well as my belt-drive Rockport. The Well Tempered needs make no apologies for itself, especially at its price. If you buy a used one, Transparent can ship you new fluids, so ask the seller to drain and clean before shipping. They are great folks to deal with. Good luck!
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