Is a GREAT turntable under $2000 possible???
There are many factors for a "great" sounding table; scrutinizing adjustments is one of them. The most important factor is the cartridge for you; initially you should buy the cheaper cartridges, and when you like one brand over another, buy one in the vicinity of 1k in that brand; this is for a long time, you won't regret it. Cartridges in the vicinity of 1K are very competitive, meaning they're all good, but in different ways. I have a Grado Master, it's for jazz and female vocal, not for rock. Experiment as much as possible. https://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Planar-3-Turntable This is a good table, tweaks and the right cartridge can make it a great table; I have one that's tweaked out and it really sings; sounds better than class A digital. |
@knollbrent in my opinion, your system looks really good. It's a good thing to love the loudspeakers as much as you do. I've also felt quite impressed by Piega. They need some power, and of the solid state variety, which you have covered. And as the MoFi cartridges are pretty new on the scene, and I've not heard them, I don't know their sonic character. Nothing jumps out at me as anything I would change. Asking you if you want to push things more to the liquid or engaging or some other side probably looks like the better question at this point. If something jumps out that you have as a goal, maybe then folks can offer suggestions. But you may already have found the right place for you |
@trelja I do the love the Piegas. I was able to get them for a 1/3 of their new price. I don't want to imagine a day without them. They're special, legends no doubt. Adding another fatty mac, 800 watts each, will take them to the promise land. The only reason I'm even thinking of any changes is because it does sound so good. With the recent introduction of my C2200 McIntosh preamp (storage for 7 years) the Piegas again evolve now more than ever with the vinyl. To sum it up. That's why. The system sounds more extraordinary than ever and I just got started in the vinyl world. Looking to see how deep the rabbit hole goes :) The MoFi cart is fantastic in my opinion but it's my first cart.It doesn't make want anything else but I know there are so many fun options out there. Audiogon has always been a great place to get advice. Most of my current system was recommended 13 years ago from this site. Great questions sir! |
System update! Loving the 1200 GR and the lehmann audio black cube se ii phono pre is not too shabby for the price but am upgrading soon to the JLTi phono pre from Australia. Drum roll please..... I'm a 2 turntable guy now! I just bought a minty vintage Luxman PD-444 TT from the late 70's. A 2 armed sucker too! I'll be putting on a vintage Victor UA-7045 with vintage Victor X-1lle cart to start off. Thanks again everyone for the great recommendations!!! |
