2. analog
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What $ percentage goes into the turntable, the arm, preamp, and cartridge?

So lets talk percentages.  On the Origin Live website, they stated a given budget should divide into 30% in the turntable, 30% in the preamp, 30% in the tonearm, and 10% in the cartridge.   Given today's blue sky pricing on cartridges, that 10% number seems a bit low, so increasing it will subsequent decrease the others.   On the other hand, they sell tonearms, so I am sure there is a bias there.   Given today's pricing of analog stuff, maybe TT = 25%, preamp = 25%, Tonearm = 25%, and cartridge = 25%?

Obviously, these percentages aren't cast in concrete but they do give someone an idea how to spend their money, regardless of how much they are going to spend.    I am looking for a balanced system here, so going cheap on a cartridge with hopes of upgrading later is not a part of my question.   

Anyone have any opinions on this?   
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Showing 2 responses by spatialking

spatialking's avatar
spatialking OP
610 posts
 
@millercarbon  - So if one were to spend $3000 on a tonearm, then the guide says I should be looking at ~ $1000 cartridges.  That seems a bit low for a cartridge and a bit high for a tonearm given today's pricing, given the TT is $3000 and the preamp is $3000.  That is what made me start thinking of the formula %.   

What I am saying is, most tonearms / turntables / preamps haven't increased in price as quickly as most cartridges have in recent days.

spatialking's avatar
spatialking OP
610 posts
 
@millercarbon
It could just as easily be that there are more expensive carts because so many people have been misguided into thinking they matter so much that money is chasing carts instead of arms.
This is so true - It started with Joe Grado back in the day realizing he could charge $1000 for a cartridge when the rest of the world was getting a few hundred at best and the majority of carts was getting 1 to 3 hundred.  And he went up from there, too!   Back then, TAS was giving glowing reviews on his cart's and he was no dummy, that is for sure.   It's also a lot easier to replace a cartridge than a tonearm, something of which Joe Grado was well aware.Thanks for your advice, it helps sort things out.  I am looking to upgrade my  the system with another tonearm and cartridge.
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