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.
128x128mmporsche

Showing 4 responses by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
The SME20 just listed today here for $6500 looks like a good value and safe bet. You could try it and sell it without losing a penny if you choose another direction. Excellent engineering from a company that's been a leader in analog for ages. There house sound has been characterized by some as a little dark & dead sounding...which others might call black quiet background and relaxed. So, preferences, blah blah, preferences. Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
@rushton @rauliruegas  I am proud to have you both as friends as you both regularly wake the conversation and set it back to where it will serve some good. 

Live music must be the reference if you focus on classical & acoustic jazz. If your music of choice is rock, "what's real" is always going to be subject to massive interpretation, so let's not even go there.

Listening to as much gear in as many real home type rooms is going to help you train your ears and learn what "takes you there" -- back to that reference where the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and you feel the goosebumps. Get in a local audio club, people! When gear synergy & room setup work for you, take note and figure out why it's right FOR YOU. This experience will go a long way to defining each of our own definitions of the point of diminishing returns. That won't be a dollar figure! Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
@mmporsche As @rushton mentioned @slipknot1 selling his Walker table & most of his other gear due for his medical bills, I know he is a huge skier and he would be more than likely to deliver to Colorado during ski season & set it up for you.

I've heard that table at his home over a dozen times and can affirm that it is not only astounding, but it's astounding precisely because it draws you into the music so that you aren't thinking about the gear when you listen to it. It's all about the music! Cheers,
Spencer  
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
@mmporsche Congrats. Raul's advice is a valuable asset. Looking forward to your comments about how it all sounds when you get it setup. The AF tables are certainly beautiful, I'd love to hear them one day. Cheers,

Spencer
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