Table,cartridge,phono...where to put most of my money?

Where does it say/state anywhere that $30K is a sum required to create a TT>TA>Cart’ > Phon’ that will perform at a level that will be extremely satisfying.

I have done much better than that as a cost and have the main Vinyl Source Equipment bought used and then sent on to be Bespoke produced. The Phon’ in use is Bespoke Produced as a from scratch build.

As a guideline and not being too equipment type centric.

A Denon DP 80 Motor Unit and Bespoke Plinth, where using materials selected for the Plinth that are being selected for Plinth use on Branded TT’s up to $60k, can be produced for less than a $1000 if prudent purchasing is put in place.

$2K will be quite the top end of a budget if other TT’s were considered from a similar era and drive type, using the same Plinth Material referred to.

I still stand by a Aurex SR 510 being a great value TT for the monies asked, and will is not a let down when one is proved to be in good fettle. The Platter Bearing Housing, Platter Bearing Assembly and Stator Assembly are quite substantial in the selection of materials used, and this in itself stands out for being mechanically much more attractive than other Vintage Japanese TT;s I have dismantled.

A Tonearm from a conventional design, well worthy of such a TT set up can be acquired for between $1000-$5000 if purchased as a used or new model. There are also designs considered not conventional, such a Viv Labs that can still be acquired within this Budget, but unfortunately are rarely seen as used sale items.

There are extremely good Cart’s out there between $700 - $2000

A Search will show a Phon’, such as an Essential 3160 can be acquired for close to $3K as a used purchase, if such a device takes ones fancy.

My experiences are that when an owner discovers a better Phon’ there is usually a need to substantially devalue the in use Phon’ to get a speedy resale. For this reason the Used Market is very very good.

My experiences are, that exceptional Phon’s can be acquired for less than the $3K used item value, if one looks into the DIY Kit Designs on offer.

Using the Values above at their Top End, $13K is looking like a Bottom Line, or the lower of values will get one in at around $6K as a Bottom Line.

Used Purchases comes with a Risk, overall function can be compromised, a additional service may be needed, which will add to the cost?

Caveat Emptor is ones better companion when embarking on such a method to purchase used items.

I do agree with the notion that is stated, "COULD easily cost well into the $20k - $35k range for a well matched turntable, tonearm, cartridge combination, and add another $5k minimum for a decent phono stage preamp."

I also agree much much more than this type of outlay can be considered.

I dare not encourage anybody to not do what they think is best for them, but do like to think they have all considerations presented to assist with their evaluations.

My prudent method will certainly not suit with all types of Ego.

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/o1137190445/

This is not a suggestion to purchase, but only a list of items that can be a very attractive Set Up for Vinyl Replay.

It is a result of your making it known a Cheap DD TT has generated a Revisit to pondering an Analogue Source.

Denon DP80 @ $400 + Import Shipping + Tax - Approx $650.               Panzerholz/Permali Plinth @ $350.                                                          Tonearm @ $800-$2000                                                                        Cartridge @ $900 - $2000 (Bought with usage and Refurbished can get a substantial performing Cart)                                                              Phonostage @ $1000

Mount this on a decent support structure and a @ $4K Spend can have one with a TT that much much more monies spent will struggle to surpass. 

Will the Set Up satisfy to the condition that is being sought after, nobody know's, only experiencing the Set Up in the listening environment will be enough to make this known.                                

I’m not seeing there is a immediate need for a Vinyl Front End to be purchased, with what looks to be a history of experiences that were not wanting to be maintained. It seems there is a further amount of experiences that can be gathered to help with homing in on the sonic that becomes attractive and wanting to be experienced in the home system.

Time spent seeking out opportunities to experience Vinyl Replays, either from a commercial entity, forum request or HiFi Club can put in ones path a range of opportunities.

I have been introduced to Vinyl Set Up’s on home systems costing between £1000 - £20000 that have been able to create a very good impression, through to extremely attractive. It is not necessarily the most expensive that delivers, it is the experiences obtained by the user and how they have built a system to suit their unique tastes that is the Cornerstone of experience being encountered.

@lewm I sent you a link before for a DP-80 TT with a Phosphor Bronze Platter.

Another one is on offer as well, I now own Three DP-80’s from this service and have no upsets with the supply.

Just make sure the Platter is transported as a separate item, as a sheared Platter spindle is a risk of occurring.

I successfully got a 80% refund as insurance payout on a sheared Platter Spindle occurrence on another well sought after Brands TT.

Link sent once more via PM