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

missioncoonery

Showing 2 responses by lewm

Pindac, I got no PM from you, today or previously. I did find a DP80 for sale on eBay for $800 plus shipping from Japan. Still quite a bargain, IMO, if it’s in good working order as claimed by the seller. For $400 and even less, you can buy one or two off Yahoo Japan, described as "junk".

I've had my disagreements with Jasonbourne, too, but in fairness, he did not criticize the TechDas.  He put it up as a high performng TT that the OP might still find fault with.

Pindac, where on earth can one find a functioning DP80 for $400? If such a bargain exists, I’ll buy them all, and so too should anyone else. In a proper plinth, I’d put the DP80 up against any TT under $5000.