I recently rejoined the analog parade as well and I share with you my decisions. For your information:
I purchased a VPI MK IV with SME 309 and currently use the Clearaudio Beta Aurum cartridge. I am considering upgrades to the Grado Reference, Clearaudio Virtuoso, or other next year.
I purchased 500 rice sleeves and a VPI 16.5 wet vac.
I use Stylast products for cartridge maintenance and a Zerostat for static pops.
I opted for a Shure stylus gauge and fine tune slightly by ear.
My phono pre-amp is MM in a Cary SLP98P. I have thought of
upgrading to a separate but I am currently content with the sound.
I use the High-Fi News test record to evaluate the set-up. The turntable sits on an Atlantis rack with point suspension. Very stable, level, very low vibration and wide enough to support the size of the TT.
This set-up is relatively modestly priced and versatile.
I am biased to favor warmth over high-end shimmer, which can sound too analytical to me.
I hope this helps.
I purchased a VPI MK IV with SME 309 and currently use the Clearaudio Beta Aurum cartridge. I am considering upgrades to the Grado Reference, Clearaudio Virtuoso, or other next year.
I purchased 500 rice sleeves and a VPI 16.5 wet vac.
I use Stylast products for cartridge maintenance and a Zerostat for static pops.
I opted for a Shure stylus gauge and fine tune slightly by ear.
My phono pre-amp is MM in a Cary SLP98P. I have thought of
upgrading to a separate but I am currently content with the sound.
I use the High-Fi News test record to evaluate the set-up. The turntable sits on an Atlantis rack with point suspension. Very stable, level, very low vibration and wide enough to support the size of the TT.
This set-up is relatively modestly priced and versatile.
I am biased to favor warmth over high-end shimmer, which can sound too analytical to me.
I hope this helps.