A few years back I bought a Project Carbon10 TT with a Sumiko Blackbird cartridge and a Lehmann Audio phono stage feeding directly into my amps. Digital was my old and trusted Oppo. I found that my LPs sounded at least as good as my CDs, often the exact same recording. I then switched the Lehmann for the SunValley SV-Pre1616D, after reading Herb Reicherts review. Wow! That was an eye-opener: LPs sounded far more "real' and "there" than CDs. So I upgraded my digital front end to an MSB Platinum Signature CD-player/DAC combo (got a great deal on USAudioMart), which got the digital representation on a similar albeit somewhat different footing: the DAC produced an over-all "rounder" sound, whereas the LPs sounded more "chiseled", especially in the treble. Depending on the style of the source, both were legitimate renderings. But then lightning stroke: I bought a custom-made Lenco-revival TT from PTP Audio, paired with a (custom-made) Woody tonearm by Pete Riggle, and an Audio Technica ART-1000 with a Von Neumann configuration, where the coils sit directly on top of the stylus. This turned out to be a breathtaking combination, adding to the life-like presentation of tone unreal rhythmic dynamics and "drive" which left my digital music in the dust, or better: the latter was pleasant and easy to enjoy, while the analog sound commanded attention and delivered true excitement and foot-tapping. So, in short: a good phono stage should come first, the SunValley SV-Pre1616D being a true bargain considering the musicality and versatility of this tube stage. Second: try to move away from belt-driven TTs and look for an idler drive or even a direct drive unit: the difference is truly audible and for the better. Finally: a great cartridge will make you whole: I would probably start with a Denon-103 modified with a better cantilever, stylus and body, as they are being offered for very reasonable outlay by several after-market artisans on ebay. I am quite sure that you will hear the difference between an analog recording and a digital version, and that it will be an enjoyable one.
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