Turntables better than a Wadia 861SE w/ Statement

Jfrech,

I'm running my Wadia into a CAT Ultimate MkII running into a CAT JL-2. The preamp has a phono section with ~26dB of gain. Big question is what is the minimum level of an analog rig to begin to equal the Wadia. Are we talking 10-20K investment or less?

Gregm & All,

Thank you for your replies. It seems that properly set up and reasonably priced Turtable rigs can easily outperform decent digital in many ways.

Embarking on a turntable/arm combination seems very intimidating. Maybe it's because I don't have the experience here that I did on evaluating digital front-ends. My main questions are now:

1) Is there a particular area one should focus on? Turntable ? Arm? Cartridge?

2) Is getting an "all-in-one" system like the Nottingham or VPI whorthwhile? Does it limit upgradability?

3) How much should one spend to get something that is clearly better than the Wadia?

From what I've read, my short list would be below. Any recommendations?

Mid-End:

Nottingham Spacedeck/space arm
VPI Scout Master

High End:

Teres
SME
Basis
Kuzma

Cartrigges:

Shelter, 901
Zyx (not sure if gain is high enough)
Benz Micro-Glider, Wood

Bombaywalla,

Good to hear from you. I was hoping you would join in since you have a similar system as mine. Anyway, thanks for the encouraging words. Sounds like it won't take much to get some good sound.

76doublebass got me even more encouraged. I don't know about selling the Wadia. Still have 600 Cd's. Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing analog for real and getting as excited as all of you.

Thanks

Andrew

Thank you for your suggestions Marty.

I have been hearing great things about the ZYX Airy 3. Does anyone know what the price and output are.

Also, based on the feedback in this thread, I plan to spend more in the 5K range for TT/Arm/Cart.

Greenman.

Good info. I finally found the Sorasound web-site. Good info. Actually, the prices may be even higher!

Any knowledge of the ZYX R-100 ($995) or the Benz Glider II ($795)?

Thanks,

Hello, I started this thread and learned a lot since.

anyway, I know of at least two examples of TT's beating the Wadia. I suspect many other would.

Anyway, I purchased 3 cd's over the last 4 years and listended to the Wadia maybe 10 times in that period. Should I say more?

Andrew

Hello,

Steve, you make a very good point. There are many cd's that I have that are very involving and musically enagaging. The main reason why I have not been listening to cd's much is because I'm absorbed on TT things. The Wadia and other high quality cd players are very very good. They do offer a different perspective and ultimately I think it does depend on the recording and the music you're listening to.

Andrew