The YouTube channel The Joy of Vinyl Records recently posted a video where he offered the following formula for a vinyl stereo system; 40-50 % for speakers, 25 – 30% for the turntable, 25% for amplification, 5 to 10% for an optional phono stage and 5% for accessories.
IMO, it is a given that the higher the budget, the easier it will be to meet this formula. When a tight budget is considered, real challenges emerge. Careful and knowledgeable purchases of used gear can greatly reduce expenses but there is inescapable risk with buying ‘pre-owned’ gear. So I’m limiting this to new equipment.
I first have to acknowledge that I have not personally heard these components. I am relying on reviews of these components both by knowledgeable audio equipment reviewers and by those who have brought them and shared their impressions. Yet more often than not, circumstance dictates that reliance anyway.
I greatly value tube amplification for its vocal and acoustic instrument tonality as well as for its sound staging. However, low powered amplification demands compatible speakers. Speaker selection is limited compared to the selection of speakers requiring robust amplification. Typically tube amplification is more expensive than solid state. I’ve reluctantly concluded that when constrained by a tight budget, the only way to get around this conundrum is with hybrid amplification. Specifically, tube pre-amplification and Class D power amplification.
While I agree that speakers should comprise the greatest percentage of a budget, I consider $500 the minimum that can be budgeted on a turntable without the need to soon upgrade. I favor the Fluance RT85N Turntable with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge @ $500.00. It offers a combination of elements that appeal to me. YMMV. The RT85N does not include an inbuilt phono stage. Overall, I consider that a positive. The RT85N’s $500. price determines the budget, as $500 ÷ 3 (30%) = $167 per every 10%. So in this case, we have a budget of $1,670.00
I consider that to be the minimum cost of components that can satisfy the entry-level audiophile label. Yes, a simple table radio can satisfy but not likely to do so in the long run for those interested in a Vinyl audio system that has no obvious negatives.
So 50% on speakers = $835.00 Currently, the least expensive, quality full range speaker set-up I know of is the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63-BK Bookshelf speakers @ $450.00 + Vera-Fi Audio’s Vanguard Caldera – 10″ Active Subwoofer @ $199.00 That combo = $650.00 Leaving $185.00 to add to amplification and accessories.
The least expensive, high quality amplification capable of driving the ELAC speakers is IMO, the new 3E A7 Amplifier @ $274.00. It can easily drive the ELAC bookshelf speakers. As the 3E amp has no sub or pre out, the Sub’s High Speaker connections are used. That does require a bit more speaker cabling but many audiophiles consider it to be the most superior connection possible, so there’s that. The 3E is a Class D amplifier and happily, it allows for volume bypass, enabling the use of a tube pre-amp to gain the benefits that tube pre-amplification provides. The challenge here is that tube pre-amps are typically too expensive for a budget system. Chinese budget components can be surprisingly good and in this case are a necessity for a budget system. Many tube aficionados maintain that Directly Heated Tube Amplification provides the most superior fidelity. Again, selection is typically limited and expensive. However, Chinese manufacturer Nobsound offers a little gem, the E6 Direct Heated Vacuum Tube Class A Stereo Audio Pre-Amplifier @ $65.00… It combined with the 3E A7 combines the tonality and sound-staging of tubes with the clarity, resolution and bass control of Class D amplification. Note that the quality control of Chinese tubes can be lacking, so be prepared to request an exchange from amazon if the fidelity is lacking. Buyers of the E6 whose tubes are fine have reported themselves to be very happy with their E6. Together the A7 and E6 = $339.00 As 25% of $1670.00 = $417.50 we remain within the formula.
In addition, Soviet tubes are reportedly an even superior upgrade in fidelity for the E6. BTW, the A7 amp also allows easily upgrading of its OpAmps. Either with discrete OpAmps or with paralleled OpAmps.
Note that there is no control included in these two components. That IMO is not a deal breaker, since with records, all the tracks typically being recorded at a similar volume, the adjustment of volume tends to only be needed at the start of a record.
Moving on, I chose the U-Turn Audio – Pluto 2 Phono Preamp @ $109.00 for three reasons; in keeping with a tight budget it is highly affordable, it’s highly rated on amazon by buyers and is powered by a 9V power supply. As clean power is especially important in clean amplification of very low signals, the Pluto’s 9V power supply allows a future upgrade with an iFi iPower X power supply.
OK, that establishes the system components, which (surprise!) add up to $1676.50.00 leaving… nothing for accessories…
And… here enters the dirty little secret in audio; accessories add up quickly but can make the difference between ho-hum and wow… speaker stands and cabling are necessary accessories. Isolation of the gear enables optimization of the system’s fidelity. Vinyl requires regular deep cleaning of the records and cartridge, an ongoing expense with the additional ongoing expense… being the purchasing of Vinyl records. So… compared to say golf… audio is a less expensive pursuit. Compared to fishing with a cane pole and a few beers… audio is insanely expensive.
Yes, we can cut back on the cost of components but in the long run are likely to spend more when we later upgrade from that $249.00 turntable to a $500. one. Bitter experience has taught me we are better served by exercising some delayed gratification. Getting clear on just what our priorities actually consist allows us to save until we have the necessary funds. Waiting for holiday sales and careful purchase of used gear can help reduce expenses.
Moral of the story; no matter what amount you budget, over time necessity will require more.
“There are no (perfect) ‘solutions’, only trade-offs” The wisdom of Thomas Sowell
Relevant aphorism; you can have only two of the three; fast, cheap or quality…
If you choose fast and cheap, the quality will suffer.
If you choose cheap and quality, selection will be limited and slower to obtain, perhaps much slower.
If you choose fast and quality, it’s going to cost more, perhaps much more.
This is an essential condition of reality… accepting reality is necessary for growth into maturity. We all know that many ‘adults’ have never grown up. Invariably, those who’ve refused to grow up exhibit some particular aspect(s) of reality they simply don’t accept. A refusal to accept responsibility for their actions is perhaps the most common one. As the ‘flip side’ of acceptance of responsibility is the willingness to be held accountable for our actions.
Geoff de Brito's interests and thoughts 