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High Performance & Low Cost

As you know a high quality stereo system is expensive, But if your system was say 90% of high quality you would certainly enjoy it. Listed are a few items that way outperform their price point. I list these so you can get quality without breaking the bank. It is much better today vs 10 years ago for a deal.

AMPLIFIER

Everyone believes tube amp are the best and they are. But vintage are not that good in the under $1K category and I owned a lot. Rebuilt them as well so heard about everything. A Nobsound 300Wx2 amp that is $189 new will outperform up to $1K vintage tube amps. .It has tone controls and phono input. About 40 watts RMS per channel. It does not need an op-amp upgrade either.

TURNTABLE

I owned a few Turntables. Best was Garrard 401. A good TT is a Project Debut Carbon. New is $1K and used $750. I compared to a Pioneer PL-30-K and I did not hear much difference. I was using an AT VM-95ML. The Pioneer is under $300.

CARTRIDGE

I compared an Audio Technica VM-95ML to a lowly AT3600L at $20 new. Not a lot of difference but treble was smoother with the VM-95ML. However,  you can live with the cheap cartridge. It is lively.

 

jimbennet
axpert's avatar
axpert
143 posts
 

WANT MY OPINION?  - - - The equipment you have indicated I would not classify as true "high performance". As I have mentioned to others, the first thing you must do is to establish a "not to exceed" price point.

If you are planning on replacing amplifier, turntable, cartridge and phono preamp,

(and depending upon your price point). AND, most importantly, your normal choice of listening genre, I could probably make a recommendation that would elevate your listening experience without breaking the budget. Until then, ADIOS!

 

larsman's avatar
larsman
3,160 posts
 

@thecarpathian + 1

bruce19
370 posts
 

@jimbennet unfortunately there are some really rude people here. I appreciate what you are trying to do. Don’t give up. It seems to offend a limited few when anyone dares to suggest they enjoy audio equipment that does not cost thousands of dollars. 

partslinger
5 posts
 

This place is pretty toxic. Especially for adults who are merely discussing audio equipment. It's ironic because the suggestions Jim made clearly weren't for the people doing the complaining. For someone just getting into the hobby, these are quality pieces of kit. Far better than what I started with in 1982.

rauliruegas
13,377 posts
 

Dear @jimbennet   :  " Everyone believes tube amp are the best and they are. "

 

Well, that's only your opinion but you believe of that statement then please show/tell us why are the best? you have to have an explanation of what you posted, right?

Just share with us, easy.

Btw, you have not to runaway but only share explanation for your believes: first hand experiences and comparisons against what.

 

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

R.

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