2. analog
  3. 126824-33947

Where is the significant point of diminishing returns on hi-end turntable?

For those that don’t know me I am newish to this game. Yes, I believe this chase for perfection in sound reproduction is a game. There are endless variables affecting the sound of every system and 100x that in opinions on each of these variables. I love cool $hit as much as the next guy but I am looking for an analog rig and I keep getting drawn into the seemingly endless "what about this option that costs tons more?". I started with a $6 to $10K budget and now I am considering a $25K setup (Table, cart and phono stage) after talking to a local retailer. I will be blunt, I want to be that guy in the Memorex ad from the 80’s that is getting blown away by his system (my impression is he is overwhelmed by the amazing sound coming from that speaker not the volume). Now that I have acquired some pretty descent stuff I am spending 15 plus hours each week listening and really enjoying this hobby. I don’t want to have any regrets and just be marginally satisfied with my setup but where do I draw the line? Back to my initial question; what is a reasonable amount to spend on an analog setup to achieve the best bang for the buck? I may be somewhat unique in that I don’t want to constantly be upgrading my equipment, I just want to buy great products the first time that are very satisfying and spend hours listening to great music. I don’t want to be the guy always chasing the next great thing.
mmporsche

Showing 2 responses by pbnaudio

pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,615 posts
 
Oleschool,  

You mean PBN / VPI DD GrooveMaster :-)  We make these in many different configurations  The one you mention above is owned by a friend of mine.

http://pbnaudio.com/audio-components/audio-turntables/groovemaster

Above link to the BeltDrive units we make using parts sourced form VPI  and others.

Working on some very cool turntables currently - making 3 GrooveMaster Vintage Direct DP7 Custom - these are for Lyra and will be fitted with the Swedish SAT tonearm as the main arm and a SME 310 or a Custom Origin Live tonearm as the secondary arm.

There is also 3 of the GrooveMaster Vintage Direct DN308 in the works, these use the Denon DN308 Commercial grade Turntables as donors. They will be made into tabletop versions (the DN 308 is a console)  and will be fitted with SME312S or SME V12 tonearms.  

http://pbnaudio.com/audio-components/audio-turntables/groovemaster/groovemaster-vintage-direct

Good Listening

Peter
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,615 posts
 
NKJ, 

"I also believe that wood and plexiglass don't belong as part of a precision instrument- just me."

Try this simple little experiment next time your at your local Home Depot or similar store. Go to the isle where they have the extruded aluminum bars - take a 3 foot one and gently drop it on the cement floor take note of the sound it makes once it hits the floor.  Then go to the isle that has the hardwood take a piece of hardwood like oak for an example - you should easily be able to find a smaller piece gently drop it on the floor and take note of the sound it makes.  You may change your opinion :-)

MMporsche - if "set it and forget it" is what your looking for find a table that has a SME arm on it, they are about as "set it and forget it" as they come.

Good Listening

Peter


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