2. analog
  3. 1064785054

Advice wanted on mid range setup

Hi,

Having heard an SME 30 setup blow away a DCS elgar digital at Sound by Singer last year, I am finally ready to get back into analog. (BTW, it was an all out assualt: All boulder electronics, into the JM labs grand utopia using a chesky reissue lp against the same recording on CD. It only took about 10 seconds to come to the conclusion, it was by no means a sublte difference)
My idea was to see if I could find software, stating this weekend. So far, after 2 days of hunting, I have about 70 lps. Cost: Zero.

People will just give this stuff away, amazing. So, I am humbly asking the advice of the analog denziens here for ideas on a rig that will be of matching performance to the rest of my system.

Currently, I have ARC electronics (LS16 MK2, VT100 MK3, CD), running through audioquest cabling (diamond X3 silver balanced interconnects, Caldera Biwire for the speakers) Speakers are Martin Logan Ascents and room treatment is by ASC

I Would like to spend an upper limit of $7,000, including phono stage (tubes, if possible), arm, TT, cartidge, and interconnects. I would be looking for used stuff here on Audiogon, with the possible exception of the cartridge. I have some reservations about buying a pre owned cartridge: is this a valid fear?

Thanks in advance for all you help.
rlips

Showing 1 response by rbirke

rbirke
144 posts
 
I bought a used Linn LP-12 with Ekos, etc. 2200
New T Kable 400
New Lyra Argo 1200
Mana Stands (part new part used) 650
NOS Mullards for my Rogue phono 300

So I guess I have 4800 wrapped up into this new/old habit. And I am psyched. It sounds fabulous.

If I were to buy an outboard phono, I'd probably go for an Aesthetix Rhea at 4K. If I weren't a tube guy for my pre, I'd consider a Linn Linto, as it matches well with the LP-12.

With all due respect to TWL who knows a ton about all things analog, I don't see how you are going to get into a Teres rig with a 901 and an Aesthetix phono stage for under 10k. Maybe I'm missing something, but the IO alone will blow your budget, even used.

Good luck and have fun.

Rich
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