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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
205 responses Add your response
dover
2,243 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.
uwiikz OP
89 posts
 
My existing system is as follow:
- DCS Bartok streamer and DAC
- Mcintosh C22 preamp
- Mcintosh MC75 mk III monoblocks
- SF Guarneri Evolution
- Transparent Ultra Gen 5 cables
- Shunyata Delta NR PC 
- PS Audio P10 regenerator 

Path to my upgrade:
- Turntables first and foremost. If result by adding quality TT alone can compare or beat the (my) reference system I auditioned at the dealer then I will stop here, otherwise continue to below steps in order;
- Replace speaker with Franco Serblin Ktema
- Replace amp with Accuphase A-250 Monoblocks
- Replace Pre with Accuphase C2850

I actually considered Kuzma Stabi Ref 2, it fit my budget perfectly but the dealer doesn’t have it on stock for audition. Wondering if it will perform similar to Kuzma XL DC?
dover
2,243 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.

inna
7,296 posts
 
Wait until you hear a master tape dub played on great deck. You will forget about turntables.
Anyway, you will have to audition. Starting with, say, $10k for table/arm, that's where serious things begin.
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
While ’you get what you pay for’, there are ways to think about this- they should however be based on your system versus the dealer demo system. If you feel like sharing the rest of your system it will help suggestions to be more specific.
Without knowing details I will make a ( biased since I sell it ) suggestion to research STST who have been making direct drive tables since later 80s. Very good, very musical. Of course there are many other great tables...


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