2. analog
  3. 163962-155552

The best TT system for under 30K

Hi agoners! 

I have been floored by Kuzma Stabi XL DC with 4 points TA on a recent audition. It was extremely analog sounding, insane details with speed, beat and clarity that made me wonder if I am listening to a live concert, just can’t help my toe tapping. Was comparing the sound to the top of the line Accuphase CD player with the same rest of system and it was no contest. 

Switching from Accuphase CD player to Kuzma XL DC was sounding like adding a pair of subwoofer and going up 2-3 levels on the rest of the system. Mind you the rest of the system was Accuphase E-650 class A integrated that should favor the Accuphase same brand CD player but that wasn’t the case. The speaker was Kerr Acoustics K300 under 10K entry level bookshelf and the sound of the entire entry level system armed with Kuzma XL DC beat the hell out of the entire super high end system the dealer has on the other listening room with Avalon PM3 speakers, Accuphase A-250 monos, Audionet Stern Preamp with Accuphase CD player. 

However obviously I cannot afford the whole set of Kuzma XL DC considering I am also in the process of upgrading my existing system. What will be the closest contender in the US$30.000 retail price range that has the same sonic signature as Kuzma XL DC? 

Thanks in advance for any advices!!
uwiikz

Showing 5 responses by dover

dover
2,295 posts
 
If you like the Kuzma sound, why not look at the new Kuzma R with 4Point11 arm - total cost US$16k. Leaves you plenty for a good cartridge as well. If you are looking at Kuzma cartridges - I heave heard both CAR40 & CAR50 on same deck with 4Point - the CAR50, although a big jump in price, is substantially better than the CAR40.

dover
2,295 posts
 
@uwiik2
Interestingly, I know someone here who moved from the Stabi Ref2 to the Stabi R, and was very happy. If you want to spend more than the new Stabi R then you should look at the new Stabi M, not the Ref 2.
dover
2,295 posts
 
@chakster 
I read the title of the topic and that's enough, $30k for turntable is insane even if "it's good based on your opinion".

No its not insane. Some people appreciate products that are well built and sound excellent. 

And I don't understand why any person would like to buy 1 expensive cartridge based on other people opinions instead of trying 5 different cartridges at the same total price to make his own opinion about them.

Because he just wants a great turntable. He is probably not interested in spending thousands of hours searching for the bargain of the century on yahoo japan, promoting the product on audiogon, whilst selling said same product on ebay to make a few lousy bucks by passing off second hand clapped out cartridges as state of the art.

It might be difficult for you to comprehend, but some folk work hard, make some money, and just want to enjoy their hobbies.

If you feel an incessent need to put down products based on price and perceived value, based on your own missconceptions, and denigrate other folks enjoyment of our hobby, then you probably need to see a therapist.

dover
2,295 posts
 
@best-groove@
@mijostyn
@jrussell88
@ebm 

Why do you persist in recommending solutions, when the OP has already posted that he has made a decision and has bought the Kuzma XL. Several people have already congratualted the gentleman.

Do you not read the thread before you post ??


dover
2,295 posts
 
@uwiikz
Some folk have to find fault with product they cant afford or are not prepared to invest in. At the end of the day you have purchased an outstanding turntable package. I have spent much time with the Kuzma 4Point11 tonearm, and the great thing about it is that it a very easy arm to set up and adjust. If you want to play with other cartridges you can purchase additional headshells from Kuzma so that your alternate cartridges can be changed quickly and easily.
Please bear in mind the Kuzma arm is a high mass arm ( effective mass 18g ) and so that means that the alternate cartridges should be medium to low compliance = this would suggest low compliance moving coils or low to medium compliance moving magnets. The Soundsmith range includes low compliance moving iron cartridges that would work well.
you will need some set up tools to change cartrdiges - I use the Feickert protractor for cartridge alignment, its very easy to use, and you will need a tracking force gauge. Make sure the dealer provides you the complete toolset (allen keys et )  that comes with the tonearm & turntable.
I know you will enjoy the music - at the end of the day thats the goal.
Enjoy.


More to discover