Phono setup recommendations

[HooStat]

I am looking to set up a turntable for the first time since the early 80's, at which time I had no real "setup" -- just a record player. Using ASR and Claude, I am trying to figure out what the realistic real world, science informed considerations are in putting a system together that addresses the most important areas for quality sound. It seems that the Technics direct drive turntable ($1000 to $1500 depending on model) gets high marks. The Michael Fidler phono preamps measure very well (as does the waxwing) -- those seem like good options but I don't know if they are overkill. For cartridges, it seems like the Wild West -- one recommendation is for the Audio Technica VM740xML and VM745xML cartridges. I noted that Michael Fidler uses the precursor AT VM540ML which was mainly my point of reference.

What I can't tell is how far beyond (or short) these options are from the point of diminishing returns. Am I in the right ballpark? Total cost is probably about $2,000 or so. Some ASR-style realistic thoughts about what is important would be be appreciated. My goal is to get a system that works and doesn't require me to think about what to upgrade, but also doesn't turn me off from vinyl because it is either too complicated or it doesn't sound all that great. I do realize there are limitations with vinyl -- I am not expecting miracles.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Redacted]

Do you already have good speakers and amp to go with with new bits?

 

[HooStat]

Excellent question -- that is a whole other project.

This will be for my office. Let's assume powered speakers for now (Genelec, Neumann, Ascilabs, Dutch and Dutch, etc.). I was thinking of going totally analog for fun but I think room correction is such a huge sonic benefit that it is hard to skip it. But either way it will be analog into the speaker and analog to digital at that point. I will also stream on the system too.

 

[Thomas_A]

A Technics deck, ATVM745xML and a Waxwing. The puriist would adjust the load to fit the 745xML but Waxwinf has EQ to fix.

 

[HooStat]

I ended up getting the Technics SL-100c and added the microline stylus to the stock VM95 cartridge. Waxwing phone stage. Low capacitance cable (2' bluejeans cable LC2). It truly sounds great as far as I am concerned. Very idiot proof to set up. I was going to get the Michael Finley Spartan 12 phono stage, but it just didn't make sense for an otherwise all digital system, at least at this time.

Thanks for the suggestions, and the thread that contains all of the detailed cartridge measurements. That was very valuable for understanding how to specify the system.

 

[Balle Clorin]

A very nice set up you put together there. Enjoy!

 

[Balle Clorin]

A very nice set up you put together there. I fully support your choices
Enjoy!