For a $1,500 vinyl rig - a package or components for a frugal audiophile?

caesar

Well-Known Member
May 30, 2010
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A friend wants to spend about $1,500 on his vinyl rig. He is wondering if he should get something like a Clearaudio package or if he should mine Audiogon and assemble his own system. His musical goal is to get jazz to sound "as real as possible".

Any suggestions for my frugal audiophile friend?
 

Johnny Vinyl

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 16, 2010
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Calgary, AB

Mosin

[Industry Expert]
Mar 11, 2012
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Tell your friend to support audio by not buying a product that violates any patent of a smaller manufacturer. You guys keep mentioning such a company.
 

Bill Hart

Well-Known Member
May 11, 2012
2,683
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I'm not sure you can get the magic of vinyl cheaply, although admittedly i haven't heard the latest crop of 'entry' level tables. And when you add cartridge and phono stage, it's gonna add up.
I haven't heard a Grado MM in years, but those used to sound very musical back in the day. Used VPI might be the way to go.
I had a Well-Tempered back in the 80's and thought it was fabulous for the money. Don't know what the new ones perform like.
And used EAR tube phono stage could work, I gather they can be modified and tube-rolled. But that may be more of a commitment, in terms of effort, than the person wants to get into.
Mosin, you implied bigger company infringing. Is this a known fact in the industry?
I gather you are being cryptic because you don't want to make a public accusation. just curious.
 

Mosin

[Industry Expert]
Mar 11, 2012
895
13
930
Mosin, you implied bigger company infringing. Is this a known fact in the industry?
I gather you are being cryptic because you don't want to make a public accusation. just curious.

Yes, yes, and yes.
 

Johnny Vinyl

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 16, 2010
8,570
51
38
Calgary, AB
VPI Traveller at $1299. stoopid good for money.

tru dat!

Add a Grado Reference Platinum 1 (MI) for $350 and you're in business, unless of course phono stage is required.
 

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