First things First. The kids come back. Harry (of vpi)says, "Rushton and Jphii royalty checks are in the mail." P.S email pictures of grandchildren to Harry.
Secondly where is Raul?
It was just a short while ago(20years) I B-----d and moaned about a $2500 front end. This was when you got a phono section included in your preamp at no extra cost.
Now let's make that about $10k plus phono section. That was also when cartridges had decent output, a stylus guard, and turntables came with a suspension and a dust cover. I now own a quicksilver transformer ($450.00) that I consider an accessory. More importantly you could actually audition your turntable and cartridge at the dealer. Any self respecting dealer had a tt set up man. A Linn Sondek set up man was revered in a way that only rivaled a Jaguar mechanic. Let's not forget my Sumiko fluxbuster (still works by the way).
If you can afford it, get what you want once and forget it. Those of us who grew up in the high end are so used to being beta tester's we don't even think about it.
A tt should be immune to vibration, turn the record at the right speed and hold the record to the platter. It should also proivde a sturdy platform for your tonearm. Sota Cosmos($5900). It uses both mass and springs to keep out vibrations. The wheaton tri planar($3900). If you have been paying attention at all, it needs no explanation. It's almost never available used. Cartridges- pick one(half the price of your tt) Unfortunateley, picking a cartridge is like going to Baskin Robbins. Each has it's own Flavor. You'll need two. One for your good records, one for your bad. A good price guide is that it should be half the price of your tonearm. I suggest a Shure v 15 or Grado for your bad records.
Go with the VPI 17. You'll upgrade eventually anyway.
Preamp- go with the Manley Steelhead ($7,000). Why? I have not heard it. Hey vinylphiles love to tinker. If not we might as well play cd's. The manley offers more tinkering than any preamp in its class.
One other thing. Rushton does not like to brag, but he owns a walker proscenium gold. Now you have two reasons to hate him. you'll aslo need money to travel around buying vinyl that would have cost only $3.99 20 years ago.
Where are you gonna get this money? Spend the kids college fund or inheritance. Home equity? You want to be insolvent so medicare has to pay for any expensive surgery.
With tongue planted firmly in cheek(my own thank you)!
greg
Secondly where is Raul?
It was just a short while ago(20years) I B-----d and moaned about a $2500 front end. This was when you got a phono section included in your preamp at no extra cost.
Now let's make that about $10k plus phono section. That was also when cartridges had decent output, a stylus guard, and turntables came with a suspension and a dust cover. I now own a quicksilver transformer ($450.00) that I consider an accessory. More importantly you could actually audition your turntable and cartridge at the dealer. Any self respecting dealer had a tt set up man. A Linn Sondek set up man was revered in a way that only rivaled a Jaguar mechanic. Let's not forget my Sumiko fluxbuster (still works by the way).
If you can afford it, get what you want once and forget it. Those of us who grew up in the high end are so used to being beta tester's we don't even think about it.
A tt should be immune to vibration, turn the record at the right speed and hold the record to the platter. It should also proivde a sturdy platform for your tonearm. Sota Cosmos($5900). It uses both mass and springs to keep out vibrations. The wheaton tri planar($3900). If you have been paying attention at all, it needs no explanation. It's almost never available used. Cartridges- pick one(half the price of your tt) Unfortunateley, picking a cartridge is like going to Baskin Robbins. Each has it's own Flavor. You'll need two. One for your good records, one for your bad. A good price guide is that it should be half the price of your tonearm. I suggest a Shure v 15 or Grado for your bad records.
Go with the VPI 17. You'll upgrade eventually anyway.
Preamp- go with the Manley Steelhead ($7,000). Why? I have not heard it. Hey vinylphiles love to tinker. If not we might as well play cd's. The manley offers more tinkering than any preamp in its class.
One other thing. Rushton does not like to brag, but he owns a walker proscenium gold. Now you have two reasons to hate him. you'll aslo need money to travel around buying vinyl that would have cost only $3.99 20 years ago.
Where are you gonna get this money? Spend the kids college fund or inheritance. Home equity? You want to be insolvent so medicare has to pay for any expensive surgery.
With tongue planted firmly in cheek(my own thank you)!
greg