If truly starting from scratch, I’d pick the best phono stage based on reviews in terms of quietness first and foremost and then flexibility to adjust capacitance and gain easily and finally with the inputs and outputs I desired. Then I would pick a tone arm based again on reviews. Next I’d move to cartridges. Hopefully ones I could listen to on the same system. Not necessarily the system I’m building but each cart I’m considering on the same turntable and arm so I can get a sense for differences in the cart. After I’ve picked a cart which should be compatible with the arm I’ve selected, then I’d pick a table. After that I’d incrementally improve the inter connects.
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Turntables can be difficult because even if you audition at a dealership it’s hard to separate what the turntable is doing from the rest of the system. But that’s probably the best most people can do. I do a lot of research, and read reviews. Not for the subjective opinions because there are so many conflicts that are undisclosed for magazines and reviewers that I don’t care about their subjective opinions. Plus, they are listening in a different room with different equipment from mine so even if it’s an honest review I’m not sure how valuable it would be. On the other hand, you can learn a lot about the features of the table, construction quality, etc. if you can go to a show, it’s great to actually see the products and a demonstration. That’s not always feasible but very helpful if you can do it. I agree with @ghdprentice that at least for me, I would always buy my turntable from a dealer. Arm and cartridge matching can be tricky. Also, set up can make a huge difference with a turntable. A lot of people can get them to play music, but if you get your table set up by a real pro I think that makes a tremendous difference. Good luck! |
- 63 posts total