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 4 responses by tomic601

Roger that OP !
IF i had your budget and needed to leap soon it would be Hagerman Trumpet or Sutherland phono, Hana ML or Ortofon Black , and the best refurbished SOTA Sapphire w arm you can wrangle out of SOTA.  

Best to you on your journey….

I think learning more about the sonics of the OP current setup vs the two prior fails ( LP-12 / VPI ) might be more helpful…. just what is driving enjoyment currently ?

A great $5-6K front end will be immediately apparent with a $1K set of Maggie LRS…. 

Just setup a very lovely sounding combo of MoFi Ultradeck, Lyra Delos and Musical Surroundings Nova III phono…. but there are thousands of extraordinary combo possibilities in your general budget range….

Have fun…enjoy the music ;-)