Many Thanks for your reply! I have learned a lot from your posts. I have budgeted $9k for my system: $3k speakers (focal or totem); McIntosh MA5200 ($4.5k) and a turntable $1.5k. (The MacInstosh comes with a phono preamp and DAC so i dont have to worry about getting these components.) Would you still make the choice you did if you had this budget? What would the upgrade path be for your configuration (Project Debut Carbon - Ortofon 2M Red - Project MKII Phono-stage)? Also, you made mention of a glass platter that you had made. What is the biggest difference that a glass platter makes and why is this important? Would you share the exact specs of this platter and the schematic drawing you created? Many thanks for taking the time to
Wow....You have selected an amazing set of components! You will rock it out my friend. Take a look at Golden Ear's Triton Ones. Read the reviews to learn about what Sandy Grove has done with creating speakers that are with multiple folds to their price.
I love McIntosh products across the board, albeit I heard that their tube amp is slightly towards the solid state than the warm tuby sound of other brands. But their stuff are all awesome!
My upgrade path will most likely by a VPI Scout 1.1 with one of the 2M cartridges, probably a Blue cart.
As for the glass platter and specs, would be more than happy to post that in a couple of days when I can take the measurements and a couple of photos for you so you know what I did. You can also buy the acrylic platter directly from eBay or similar. The biggest benefit being that the mat sticks to the records and can build up dust and dirt over time.
Stay tuned for the specs and the photos.