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
inna
5,245 posts
 
Yeah, SME 20 with one of those arms should do it. I would choose a dynamic cartridge to complement them to make it a great pace maker. You race cars and won't tolerate lazy vague thick 'overly musical' euphonic sound. Lyra, perhaps..? And maybe LAMM phono with Purist Neptune or Corvus tonearm cable. If LAMM matches your amp, of course. Cartridges come and go, great phono will last for decades. In this case I would match the cartridge both to the arm and to the phono, not phono to the cartridge. If I remember right, LAMM doesn't have many adjustments or highest gain, but you won't need them if you match well. I doubt that there is a better phono stage within this price range, only different. But you might want MM not MC cartridge, you didn't say it or I missed it.
Just to make it clear, this is most likely not the turntable that I myself would get but I would seriously consider it. But I would get the LAMM and Purist cable and probably Lyra too.
rogerabbit's avatar
rogerabbit
21 posts
 
If you want the best sound, irrespective of price, then you should look into the rebuilt idler wheel drive units from Jean Nantais.

Price is meaningless when it comes to sound quality from this artisan.
His Lenco MKIII [ $10K] has beat out other TT at $40K thus far.

I use a Reference Lenco MKIII with a Dynavector DV507MKII arm and a Micro Benz Ebony TR cartridge in my $45K Wyetech Ruby amp system and it's phenomenal.

TT, arm & cartridge at around $20K
See > http://www.idler-wheel-drive.com/home/
Cheers,
Roger
zimmer50
1 posts
 
Hi,  While I have great respect for Michael Fremer, I could not and likely would not follow his audiophile extravagance.  I am very limited,. Depending on disability benefits, but I do love records. So one person's "bargain" analog system is, for me, unattainable and not greatly missed.
My 3 tables are a Elac Miracles 50H, which is a greatly under appreciated gem of rim drive from Germany; an even more ignored table is the Santo TP 80S. It is a beautiful belt drive which is a pleasure to listen to via the mm input on my old Advent 300 receiver.  Finally the Dual table that while somewhat respected, is, I think, one of Dial's finest tables.  O
I'm talking about the CS 5000 with a Thicker German belt and original Stanton 681EEE cartridge and stylus. Awesome sound through a completely Upgraded Kenwood C2 preamp. I do realize that "superior" tables, cartridges, cables, preamps, etc.  But, at least for me, even if I had the resources, I would not ever consider a "Fremer Bargain System".  My priorities would always be elsewhere.  For audiophiles who take pleasure in their multi 5-figure systems then all I can say is enjoy the music.






sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 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
shydog17
16 posts
 
This won't be a popular comment, but the point of diminishing returns on a turntable is at the very first penny you spend on one. 

A turntable is a low-resolution, high-distortion source based on technology invented nearly a century ago. Skip it.

Spend your money on room treatments, great speakers, amplifier and preamp (yes, and in that order please).

Add to that a music server and a robust collection of 24/192 and 24/96 digital music from your favorite artists. For whatever isn't available in high resolution, that's what a premium Tidal subscription is for (so you can ditch your CDs).

High resolution music completely destroys anything that vinyl can ever dream of touching.
More to discover