Best Turntable/arm/cartridge system for $30k

Except at Galibier Designs you get one-on-one attention without the pressure of a room full of other people vying for the host's attention. You get to hear a system properly set up in a room that has been optimized, unlike a hotel room. You get to absorb the knowledge of someone who knows what he's doing and is happy to spend the time to educate you about analog in general, and about the products he builds and represents. You get to enjoy the Colorado mountains. Maybe you tie it together with a ski weekend.

One only has to study the Galibier website to see Thom is someone who goes the extra mile to impart information that enhances the understanding of vinyl set-up to anyone caring to read it. No strings attached.

There's an advantage to that scenario over CES. However, at CES you certainly get to see a lot of stuff, albeit not under the best conditions.

to answer your question directly is focusing in on the few who have invested close to this amount on an analog rig, i am not in that crowd. But if i had 30 grand to throw at a new analog rig, i would look at the avid acutus, airtangent arm, zyx universe cartridge and good phono preamp. The table might change to used forsell if i could demo it or a used walker (if i push the envelope on the other components).

Got to agree with Mapman here. If you can't do CD, you will never get vinyl to work. I second the suggestion to work on what you have first. Find that weak link or set-up mistake and fix it/them. This will give you a huge leg up on the vinyl journey.

Arwp,

your question has hit a nerve here for sure; what an exciting concept to be able to spend $30k for a first step into vinyl playback. it sounds like the investment in Lp software has also been considered.

i own three tt's; one way over $30k and two maybe 1/3rd $30k. i own SOTA digital and SOTA RTR. i have my own opinion about the answer to your question....for me, my system, and my tastes. the problem is that your question is too open-ended to answer in a helpful way.

there is no doubt that you will enjoy a large increase in listening pleasure thru a strong commitment to vinyl.....so as one who likes all the formats i say go for it.

as some others have suggested; i think you should take some time to listen to some quality tt set-ups and try to get a feel for what level and type of vinyl gear will justify the commitment to vinyl. also; some here are direct drive or rim-drive believers, others like belts. there are new tt's, modern used tt's and vintage tt's with new plinths and arms. some like tubes and warm sounding cartridges and others like solid state and neutral sounding cartridges. every catagory has it's proponents.

it's all good.

but what might be good for you?

you'll know it when you hear it. and unless you choose an audio mentor and just follow their lead you need to invest some time and decide what sonic characterisitics are most important to you. most here have discovered our perspectives thru the slow methodical steps up thru the vinyl food-chain.

good luck.

Arwp, in their day the Accuphase 100/101 were virtually undeniably state of the art. Today there are better digital sources, including some which provide very enjoyable redbook performance, albeit not at the same level as great vinyl.

I agree with some of the comments above about traveling to audition what interests you. At this price level there is no substitute for hearing what you are considering. What is talked-up on forums such as this one can be misleading and may not be what is best, and proper setup is so very important. As a seasoned show attendee I do not recommend them for serious auditioning; they are useful mainly for becoming acquainted with the products and the people behind them.

Depending upon your location, you may want to travel to one of the larger metropolitan areas near you and visit a few dealers there. In your budget range it's entirely reasonable for you to expect the dealer to deliver, set up and optimize the system in your home, at no extra cost. At least that's my approach.