Is Coincident Statement Phono pre-amp an overkill

Charles1dad, everything you just said is true. My point is that despite those truths, having so little invested in vinyl might no warrant such a large investment in equipment. While there is no magic number of LPs that triggers getting state of the art equipment I would argue that an element of common sense should apply. Another way of stating the issue is to ask whether the OP would be better off with 250 more records and the EAR phono stage versus his two dozen LPs and the Coincident?

Hi Onhhy61,
I clearly understand your point and it's logical. I feel that Essrand is committed to building a LP collection that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. I rather buy the Coincident Phono now (if it's within budget) rather than the lesser component only then to upgrade later anyway.

Lewm, I'm not suggesting this is a 'once in a lifetime deal', however 25% off is very good for this top shelf phono stage. Yes there's more than one approach to this situation. I'm just a believer in getting the higher quality gear when you can(and when the price is right), most often there's no looking back. I know Essrand will make his own decisions, I'm just trying to be helpful.
Charles,

I have always found that (with research/patience) buying once is THE best policy. If it is affordably doable, get what will best be in play with your system, period!!
Then your LP music search will be encumbered.

Edit: will "NOT" be encumbered. Case in point. When the system is GOOD! And the music is GOOD!, do not attempt anything else while being fully immersed..

10-26-13: Essrand
I did expect to keep the TT (Clearaudio Concept) for a few years. I hope getting the Coincident will not make do that upgrade too.

Based on a quick read-through of this thread, it seems to me that this is the major issue that needs to be considered. As Banquo mentioned earlier, the Coincident phono stage will not work properly with your present cartridge. In addition to the gain issue he mentioned, it does not provide suitable loading for MM's. So you'll want to invest in a high quality LOMC, that will do justice to the phono stage, and not require further upgrading in the foreseeable future. And although I'm not familiar with the Concept, I'd seriously question whether a $1400 turntable + tonearm would do justice to that cartridge, if used as anything more than a temporary stopgap.

I don't mean to be discouraging, but I'm just suggesting that if you go for the Coincident you should be prepared for the possibility that you'll want to upgrade the turntable and tonearm sooner rather than later. And seconding Isochronism's point about buying once, that upgrade, done right, is likely to involve considerable $.

Regards,
-- Al