Originally posted by merlin
I too would be interested to hear from the vinyl guys, how little could I spend to get the experience. I was thinking of breaking up and selling the Orbe/SME/Trichord/Koetsu for around 3K, and spending the proceeds on both a more down to earth TT and a new universal player (both SH of course).
That is incredibly hard to say my friend.
Dont you have a trichord delphini too?
I know you like to have the best of the best, and dont know if you'd be happy with something close?
For lower budgets, I would be looking at...
1) A nottingham analogue interspace. This is their old budget table, and close on performace to a space deck. You could get one sec hand with a rega 300 for about £600.
2) Cartridges.... a tricky and personal thing. a lot depends on the phono stage you'll be using. Iain has a contact for cheap new ortofohns....if you want new thats a good bet, or Len greggorys music maker II. Should be able to get something cracking for £300-£400.
3) An ear 834p (you may not like this kit though.. it sounds less detailed than a solid state phono, but more.. liquid) second hand £300. Or keep your delphini if thats what youve got.
Theres so many options out there, thats just one option..
Even a second hand Thorens for £150 on ebay when fettled correctly with a £200 cart and £200 phono stage will give you the fluidity youve come to like.
Dont know if that'll help - but keep an eye open for used interspaces - its a high end deck in a trenchcoat disguise IMO

Chris