Best Turntable/arm/cartridge system for $30k


I have finally decided to take the plunge into the Analog world. My current source is Accuphase Transport/DAC 100/101. This combo is the best player money can buy when playing SACD but a letdown when playing CDs. I have yet to come across a CD player that can make CDs sound musical and involving. Not even the latest DCS or Emmlab gears can achieve that. I will probably stop buying CDs altogether and focus on LPs collection instead. Any recommendations?
arwp

Showing 1 response by tfkaudio

I'd recommend not taking a $30k plunge. Vinyl may not turn out to be your bag. It's the best format available for music (IMHO), but it is labor intensive compared to other formats. You might not care for all the cleaning, changing sides, mounting/aligning cartridges, etc.

Since I assume you've got $30k discretionary to spend (good for you!) then you probably wouldn't care if you bought a more modestly priced rig and sold it a year later to upgrade, right?

With that said, I'd recommend dipping your toe into the analog pool first.

Some excellent tables at moderate prices are:

Michell Gyrodec
Nottingham Spacedeck
VPI Scoutmaster
Rega P7

Some cartridges:

Dynvector DV20X
Shelter 501
Audio-Technica AT0C9
Rega Exact

One of those will mate well with the turntables mentioned above.

You will also need a phono stage. You can usually find a Sutherland PHD used on Audiogon for around $2000 - $2500. The phono stage is not an area where you want to skimp, and the PHD is a great phono stage for the price.

Aesthetix, Art Audio, EAR, and others make great phono stages that can be had for similar prices, new and used.

That can get you into the analog world for only a $5k to $6k outlay. And (again IMHO) it will easily outperform your digital rig.

If you like it and want more, or you simply must take the $30k plunge, check out the Teres and Galibier web sites.

Cheers.

Tom