The $20,000 Phono Cartridge.

[username79]

Originally Posted by A Y

If you like your audio wrapped in Luddite-flavored Japanese mysticism and adorned with exhorbitant price tags, definitely check out Audio Note: http://www.audionote.co.uk/ Their most expensive cartridge is only a little under 12K UKP, but they do have a nearly $80K integrated tube amp that can't drive most loudspeakers. --Andre
That's Audio Note UK, which dosen't have **** on Kondo (www.audionote.co.jp). ONGAKU, motherfucker.

 

[A Y]

Thanks. I forgot that the UK and Japanese operations are separate, but they are both special in their own way. The Japanese seem to have an obsession with mid-century Americana, whether it's clothing or stereos.

--Andre

 

[audiophilia]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

I've heard the megabuck Koetsus and Clearaudios but my new favorite is the $9K Dynavector XV-1T. Gorgeous string tone. Just came out and the Dyna distributor was in town last week demoing it.

A good friend has the $3.2K Lyra Skala and it is superb.

Just reviewed the Cleauraudio Titanium. Was bloody sad to see it go. A fantastic bit of kit. Love Lyra products, too.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by A Y

Thanks. I forgot that the UK and Japanese operations are separate, but they are both special in their own way. The Japanese seem to have an obsession with mid-century Americana, whether it's clothing or stereos. --Andre
Didn't they buy up McIntosh? You can't get more midcentury American hi-fi than that.

 

[Girardian]

Can't comment on a $20K phono cart. but I have heard the APL NWO 3.0 modified CDP ($30K) and it is stunning -- spine tingling. Best CD sound I have ever heard, but you pay a huge premium for the "last mile."