There are so many options for a great sounding vinyl setup under $5k. By example my secondary vinyl setup consists of a Pioneer DX1000 TT at about $800, Sumiko Starling $2k MC cart and $500 Puffin phono preamp. It can sound pretty close to my primary system of VPI Classic 1 TT with Lyra Kleos cart and PS Audio Stellar phono preamp at 3 times the cost. It's all about the combo, not necessarily the money in my experience.
Table,cartridge,phono...where to put most of my money?
Let me start by saying im a digital guy,to be specific a CD/SACD guy.Years ago I ventured back into vinyl only to be totally disappointed in my efforts.I wanted to hear the records I had been hauling around the country every time i relocated.I bought a Linn LP12 and had all the upgrades done.I never could get it sounding good,even paid to have it setup by a so called expert...Fast forward ,I tried again maybe 6 years ago.Bought a VPI super scout with a couple different phono stages(dont recall what they were)..About the same outcome,was ok but for all the fuss,time,cost I felt another unsuccessful attempt..A few weeks ago i bought at an auction a direct drive Pioneer table from the 70s for a couple hundred.It was paired with a decent cartridge.I bought a used phone amp off ebay and off and rolling i went.Its no where near my digital side across the board and i didnt expect it to be but its got me wanting more....Long story short,I have a budget of 5k/6k for everything..table,cartridge and phone amp..Yes i understand everything is important but where would you put the bulk of the budget...and what would you buy with the limited info given,,Thanks