jonnyfreel

This is awesome. Thank you! As a noob, I am researching and learning, and have also come to find that among your list of good options at certain price points, it's not a "seen one, seen them all" kinda thing. Variation is obviously great. So, hopefully I don't drive you too bonkers with my noob questions... I feel I have to ask them, as I take music seriously, and know that you much more experienced TT audio folks have a wealth of AWESOME advice. So... I just got a SOTA Moonbeam Series II TT. Super excited. Now, I am trying to figure out what would be best for my system in terms of a phono tube preamp, and cartridge. Here's what I have: SOTA Moonbeam Series II TT B&W 686 speakers Pioneer Subwoofer Pioneer Elite VSX-40 Receiver My research has me confused as I have read different things from different people. My journey into vinyl is for numerous reasons -- I want to collect vintage vinyl; I want to hear music without any compression or remastering; I want my music warm and lively, but still highly "listenable" -- meaning not-over-the-top lively. All this said, do any of you (much more experience folks than I) have any suggestions as to what cartridge for under $300 and tube preamp for under $1,000 would be best suited for my system and hopes? Fingers crossed you are open to sharing your thoughts with me!