2. analog
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Guidance on cartridge options or new table

How much is too much?  I own a Luxman PD 151 Mark II turntable and a Luxman EQ500 phono preamp.  I purchased from a dealer end of December and it has about 100 hours on it.  I have the Luxman cartridge that matches the system and goes for $2500. I have them connected using XLR’s. My system consists of Burmester 218 reference amp, 088 pre amp by Burmester, Wilson Alexia V speakers. For streamer I have a Grimm MU1 and a Nagra Tube dac with separate power supply. After acquiring the new amp and pre amp in February my digital side sounds terrific and find my analog set up to be the weak link.  Based on this set up  where do I reach a point of no return purchasing a better cartridge?  Should I be looking at a new table and cartridge?  Would a new cartridge significantly improve the sound? I primarily listen to Jazz and some classical music along with rock. 

Thanks for your assistance!

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Showing 4 responses by woots

woots's avatar
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woots OP
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@tablejockey Thanks for your comments.  You make great points.

woots's avatar
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woots OP
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@faustuss I recognize that Burmester has turntable options and I have considered both of them.  The reason I have posed the question on the Audiogon Forum is due to the expertise and vast knowledge base that exists with many members today that is well beyond my experience.

woots's avatar
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woots OP
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@rsf507 excellent point.  I'm traveling to meet with a Kuzma dealer next week.

woots's avatar
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@dover Ironically, when I purchased my Burmester pre amp they gave me the option of a dac module or a phono module and I selected the phono module because my dac set up is decent and that technology seems to be changing more in dac's than phono's are.  Also, I currently have the Luxman phono stage connected with XLR and that is what the Burmester has also.  I guess I just found my weekend project.....By the way as I mentioned in an earlier post I'm traveling next week to check out the Kuzma product.  In addition to the arms you mention I am also going to demo the "safir arm," do you have any knowledge of that arm?  And, while you are helping me what have you used for cartridges or do you recommend?

I really appreciate your honest feedback.

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