I have the new Mitchell Gyro SE II that I'm using with a Origin Live modified Rega RB250 and a Benz Micro Ruby 2. I like it better than my previous VPI Aries/JMW 10 that I used with a ClearAudio Gamma MC cartridge. It wounds my Wright modified Perpetual Tech duo on much material, but that is also using a $3500 AHT phono preamp, so these things can get costly. The Herron tube phono stage also sounded excellent in my system.
I would like to know what system (TT/arm/cartridge/phono preamp) that Sean would put together for under $1000 that would rival the best digital. Perhaps he is not including a phono preamp in his estimate.
I think that a properly set up (with analog, set-up is everything!) VPI HW-19 series (Mk-III or Mk-IV) TT with a OL Rega RB250, and perhaps a decent Grado or ClearAudio MM cartridge into a Lehmann Audio Black Cube phono stage might make you smile -- but that would set you back closer to $2G's even used. On the other hand, a Gyro/OL RB250/Grado/Cube could be a great way to go and on the used market you might score that for under $2500 with a little luck. But even that may not clearly trounce the "best" digital.
I would like to know what system (TT/arm/cartridge/phono preamp) that Sean would put together for under $1000 that would rival the best digital. Perhaps he is not including a phono preamp in his estimate.
I think that a properly set up (with analog, set-up is everything!) VPI HW-19 series (Mk-III or Mk-IV) TT with a OL Rega RB250, and perhaps a decent Grado or ClearAudio MM cartridge into a Lehmann Audio Black Cube phono stage might make you smile -- but that would set you back closer to $2G's even used. On the other hand, a Gyro/OL RB250/Grado/Cube could be a great way to go and on the used market you might score that for under $2500 with a little luck. But even that may not clearly trounce the "best" digital.