Analog for SET based system


I am looking for a tt, arm, cart, and phono stage combination that will work well with my existing system (Joule Electra preamp, Wavelength Duetto amp, Ocellia Tilia loudspeakers)and meet the following criteria related to budget, personal tastes, etc.

1) $3500 budget (new or used)
2) Easy set-up/ maintenance
3) listen primarily to Jazz, Blues, and Folk
4) I have auditioned Well Tempered Classic and Clearaudio Champion 2. Much prefer the sound of WT - Clearaudio just sounded a little sterile to me

Thanks for your help
gotog

Showing 1 response by dougdeacon

Like Twl and jphii said. Here's one possible configuration:

Teres 150 ($1825)
You need this model or higher for the wood plinth, which reportedly sounds much better than the acrylic plinth on the entry level model 135.

Origin Live Silver ($925)
Simple arm to live with and great sound for the money. If you add Twl's HIFI Mod, my VTF mod and an aftermarket dropped counterweight, you'll have an arm that rivals $1500+ arms in sonics.

Shelter 501MkII ($800)
This is the perfect cartridge for your musical preferences, provided it's mated with an appropriate arm. (The OL Silver with HIFI Mod is an ideal match.)

This pushes the limits of your budget. I don't know how much gain the Joule's phono stage has, but you'll need at least 55dB and preferably a bit more. If a stepup transformer would put you too far over budget then I'd drop from the Shelter cartridge to a Denon 103R ($275) to leave enough money for a set of tranny's, possibly the K&K's ($225) mentioned by jphii.