Although we do not currently manufacture or sell playback equipment, audio cables, or other accessories, we are pleased to offer some specific recommendations, including many which are personal references. While there are numerous products in the high-end marketplace, those mentioned below provide exceptional performance at prices which are in line with our own. Wherever possible, they are linked to the manufacturer or distributor.   Also, while we are not in the business of providing detailed reviews of other people's products, many publications on the Further Reading page have reviewed these components in much greater detail. We urge you to do your own independent research, as well as listening whenever possible. Of course, everyone has an opinion (and not always an objective one), so take a deep breath, relax, and let your ears be your guide.   Please Note: We do NOT sell any of the items mentioned below.   Phono Cartridges Shelter 90X   A state-of-the art moving coil that is astonishing in its ability to recreate the live musical experience. It has a relatively short break-in period, but proper set-up is critical. Magnify our comments about the 501 Mk II (below) by a factor of 4. With its higher output of 0.6mV, preamp tube noise disappears. At $2,700, it is not inexpensive, but it's our new reference and, for the serious listener, worth every cent. A Stereophile Class A Recommended Component and winner of The Absolute Sound's 2004 Golden Ear Award. The 90X has recently been replaced by the model 9000, which we have yet to audition. Selected Review:   10 Audio Shelter 501 Mk II   Our previous reference, this moving coil cartridge does everything right. Unlike most MCs, it presents a well-balanced, three dimensional sound stage without sounding etched or hard. Available new for about $800, but its output of 0.4mV means that it may require a step-up transformer or head amplifier. Although it's an excellent buy, when compared to the 90X, the bass and treble frequencies are somewhat grainy and lacking in refinement. Selected Reviews:   TNT Audio 10 Audio The Analog Dept. ZYX R1000 Airy 3   While we have not personally heard this new addition to the ZYX roster, the high output (0.48mV) version of the R1000 Airy 3 is a close match for the Loesch Preamplifier. One of our clients told us that "the Airy lives up to its name... Instruments are very well separated and have a timbre and tonality to them like nothing I've heard before! Wonderful, delicious sound... Highly recommended." Depending on whether its coils are wound with copper or silver, expect to pay about $1,500 to $2,000. Selected Review of the ZYX Airy series:   Audio Critique ZYX UNIverse   As with the Airy, above, we have not personally auditioned the extremely expensive ZYX UNIverse (US $7,450 suggested retail). However, anecdotal reports suggest that this may be the last word in phono cartridges. According the Arthur Salvatore (reviews linked below), the copper version with its 0.24mV output, is the better model to choose from. Selected Reviews of the ZYX UNIverse:   Audio Critique : January 2007 Audio Critique : August 2006 Ortofon Kontrapunkt a and Kontrapunkt b   Two less expensive alternatives to the Shelter cartridges, above. Both are current favorites with the Japanese audiophile community. The "a" is available new for about $400-$600, the "b" for $600-$900. Neither are quite the equal of the Shelters. Selected review:   Vinyl Asylum The Cartridge Man MusicMaker Mk III   Although it begins life as a Grado, the Cartridge Man MusicMaker undergoes a complete internal make over, leaving only the shell as a reminder of its origins. Its very high output of 4.0mV may overload the average MC phono stage, but its retail price of £625 or $1,150 makes it a contender for high end at a reasonable price. We have one on hand, but have not had the opportunity to fully audition it and will report back when we've given it a thorough listen. NB: because of its high cantilever compliance, the MusicMaker is best matched with a low mass tonearm (13 grams or less).   Miyabi Standard   When you care enough to use (and can afford) the very best, there is little equal to the Miyabi line of moving coil cartridges. Handcrafted in Japan by Haruo Takeda, each example is personally tuned by the Master, himself.   In Japanese, the word miyabi means "elegance" and its model designation means the standard against which all others are measured. Sakura Systems, the US importer, offers several variations and the example we have on hand began life under the Krell brand. In 2006, we returned it to Takeda-San, who was kind enough to rebuild it to approximate the current version for a fraction of its $4,000 retail price. Considered to be the ultimate reference by both Stereophile's Art Dudley and The Absolute Sound's Harry Pearson, its 0.25mV output requires a step-up transformer or head amplifier. Selected Review:   6moons Fidelity Research FR1 Mk3F   Designed and manufactured by Isamu Ikeda in the 1980s, the FR1 Mk3F is distinguished by coils wound with pure silver wire. Extremely smooth and detailed, the Mk3 has an ultra low output of 0.14mV and needs to be paired with a high-quality step-up transformer. In today's market, preowned examples typically sell for $200-$600 and are easily the equal of any new cartridge that retails for up to $2,500.   Tonearms Ikeda Sound Labs IT407   Designed by Isamu Ikeda, this 16" transcription arm is a current production successor to the famous Fidelity Research arm (below). Built by hand on special order only, it is available with silver wire and in a shorter, 12" version, as well. The price (new) is about $2,450, direct from Asia.   Fidelity Research FR-66   Also designed by Isamu Ikeda, the FR's are among the best pivoting tonearms ever made, the FR-66 transcription series being especially sought after. According to the manufacturer, their long effective length gives them a lateral tracking error 40% less than that of typically shorter arms. It reproduces clear, accurate sound even from the inner grooves of the record, where the distortion caused by lateral tracking error is more serious. FR has been out of business since 1985, so expect to pay $1,000-$1,500 in the pre-owned market.   Grace 940 and 960   Predecessors to the Fidelity Research arms, above, and also designed by Ikeda. Difficult to find, so it's hard to estimate current values.   Well Tempered Lab   Comments about the Well Tempered turntables (below) apply to the WT tonearm, as well.   Eminent Technology 2.0 and 2.5   The first practical linear tracking, air-bearing arm is still among the finest. Recently discontinued, but wands, accessories, and service are still available from ET. Used examples sell from $250-$1,000 depending on vintage and fittings.   VPI JMW-12 and VPI JMW-12.5   The two long JMW Memorial unipivot arms by VPI share the geometric advantage of the Fidelity Research FR-66 arms. Precisely machined and nicely finished from a company which excels in customer service. Priced new at $1,800 - $2,800.   Naim Aro   The Aro is a unipivot arm which looks a bit flimsy, but don't be fooled -- the sound and build quality are both excellent. Suggested retail price in the US is $2,650.   Sumiko MDC800 "The Arm"   Long out of production, but an arm that Dr. Loesch considers to be one of the best ever made. Difficult to find, so it's hard to estimate current value.   Turntables   Well Tempered Lab   The Well Tempered Record Player was introduced in the mid-1980s, is still in production, and has been joined by a pair of upscale siblings, the Classic and the Reference. Although they are a bit finicky to set-up, with or without the companion tonearm, all three rank among the best available. Because the design has basically been perfected, new models or upgrades are rarely introduced and, consequently, the WT is often overlooked by audiophiles in today's marketplace. Expect to pay about $2,500-$6,500 new, including matching tonearm. However, used early examples occasionally appear for as little as $600. These can also be upgraded to current levels.   An early WT Classic, updated to approximate the current WT Reference, along with a highly modified WT Classic tonearm, is our current listening room reference.   Mitch Cotter B-1 Turntable Base   In the 1970s, Mitch Cotter designed a special base specifically for the direct drive Technics SP10 and Denon DP6000 turntable assemblies. Later he marketed the unit as a complete system with the Denon platter, often including a Fidelity Research FR-66 transcription tonearm. Cotter stripped the basic turntable and mounted it on a 1.125" thick sandwiched baseplate made from of alternating layers of steel and plastic. The final product weighed in at about 150 lbs. and was massive enough to completely dampen acoustic and mechanical feedback. With a retail price of $8,000, relatively few were manufactured and sold, though from time to time they appear on the used market for about $2,400. Arthur Loesch's personal reference.   Linn Sondek LP-12   This turntable has been in production since 1972 and is still among the finest. Many upgrades are available for older units, but because of its spring suspension, it's better suited for use with pivoting tonearms, rather than radial trackers. Expect to pay $700-$4,500, depending on vintage and upgrades.   Clearaudio   This German company offers a wide range of very high quality products at price points from $1,000 to $7,600.   Acoustic Signature   Another German company with a very attractive line of turntables. Prices range from $1,900 to $4,500.   VPI   VPI Industries manufactures a range of turntables tailored for most budgets. Most units can be progressively upgraded and engineering lessons learned in developing premier models filter down to the less pricey ones. Cost ranges from $700 -$10,000 and, for many listeners and reviewers, represent the "last word" at any given price point.   SOTA   Another company with a long history of high quality and varied selection. Comments about VPI apply here, too.   Origin Live   This English company manufactures an interesting range of turntables, tonearms, and after-market upgrades. Their complete systems are relative bargains. We personally use their "Ultra" DC motor upgrade kit in our Well Tempered DIY-Reference table.   Teres   Originally developed as a collaborative project by a group of audiophiles, the Teres is available in eight basic configurations, fully assembled or as kits. Prices range from $1,575 to $6,450 and are among the best buys at any price.   Phono Accessories Dr. Feickert Universal Protractor   After struggling for weeks with a dB Systems protractor and still not feeling that the cartridge in our reference system was properly aligned, we came upon the Dr. Feickert Universal Protractor. As with so many high-end accessories, $250 seems like a hefty sum to spend. However, in 10 minutes our cartridge was precisely set in exactly the right spot. In the end, we don't know how we lived without it.     KAB Speed Strobe   The last word in setting accurate turntable speeds. At $80-$100 (depending on retail source), it seems expensive, but it's another one of those essential tools for which there is no substitute.   Here's an important tip: When using any strobe, place it on top of a record with the cartridge set on the LP, as well. Stylus drag will actually (and noticeably) slow platter rotation, so it's important to set the speed under real world operating conditions.   Shure SFG-2 Tracking Force Gauge   This gauge is a reasonably accurate beam balance designed to measure the downward force exerted by a stylus on a record. With a range of range of 0.5 to 3.0 grams, it has long been the standard for home audio. Suggested retail price is $25.   ANS Digital Stylus Force Gauge   Marketed by Audio Note Singapore, this electronic stylus force gauge retails for $95.00 USD. Although it's an economical alternative to similar tools that sell for up to $800, its price reflects its somewhat cheap construction. Still, it offers reasonable accuracy for the money.     The Cartridge Man Digital Stylus Force Gauge   Moving up in terms of accuracy and price ($323 - $429, depending on the retail source), we come to the Cartridge Man gauge. Though it only extends to two decimal points, the readout offers extremely repeatable measurements and a much higher level of quality. Our current reference.   Zerostat Anti-Static Device   Recently, we were plagued by an increase in "pops" during LP playback. New records, clean records, and records that had always tracked flawlessly suddenly started to produce unwelcome sounds, symptomatic of static electricity. The bright red Zerostat pistol discharges positive and negative ions across any surface, effectively neutralizing static electricity. Aiming it close to and across the LP's surface, while triggering it for three to five cycles, quickly cured this problem. Retail price is about $70.   SOTA Reflex Clamp   This lever-action clamp couples the record with platter, increasing inner detail and bass response. It works with a variety of turntables, not just those manufactured by SOTA, and sells new for about $200.   Record Cleaning and Care VPI HW-16.5 and VPI HW-17 Record Cleaning Machines   For a thorough removal of dust and dirt, the VPI Record Cleaning Machines are the most effective choice. While luxury models HW-17 and HW-17F (with fan) offer automatic dispensing of cleaning fluid (as well as an external collection bottle for used fluid), the lower cost HW-16.5 is just as vigorous at performing the task.   Torumat TM-7XH Record Cleaning Solution   At $65 per gallon, it's not cheap, but a gallon will clean hundreds (perhaps thousands) of sides. Safe to use on all formats, this non-alcohol-based cleaner can also be used to clean shellac-based 78s. The manufacturer claims that Torumat cleans, lubricates and eliminates static buildup on LPs, as well as reducing groove and stylus wear. New records, which are covered with mould release compounds, also benefit from an initial cleaning. You'll find that most pops and clicks are actually the sound of dirt particles in the grooves. Perfect for the VPI machines, above. A CD cleaner is also available.   The Disc Doctor's Miracle Record Cleaner and Brushes   H. Duane Goldman offers a complete LP cleaning system for under $100 that does not require a machine. Additional formulae are available to clean CDs and phono styli.   In additional, the brushes are superior to those that come with any machine and are recommended as an essential accessory by themselves.   For those with the time and energy, many consider this system to be the last word in media cleaning.   CD Playback   Toshiba SD-9200 Player   Now discontinued, this DVD-Audio/Video player originally sold for $1500 and can be found in the used marketplace for $300-$450. Famous for their noisy and erratic transports, updated transport kits are still available for about $250, including installation by an authorized service center. Perhaps the best one-box, off-the-shelf CD, DVD-A, and HDCD player ever made. Weighing in at about 35lbs. (15.9kg), it features a copper chassis, polypropylene capacitors, and a shielded transformer. Smooth, detailed, and three dimensional in its presentation, the 9200 is the digital counterpart to the Shelter line of phono cartridge. Our personal all-in-one reference for CD playback.   In 2002, an upgraded model called the SD-9500 was introduced in Europe and Asia for about US$2,300. Although we've heard anecdotally that there is a slight improvement in video performance, the audio is said to suffer by comparison with the original 9200.   harman/kardon HD7500 / HD7600 CD Players   While these MASH Bitstream players from the 1990s lack snob appeal, their sound is non-fatiguing over extended listening sessions and are commonly found in the used market for under $100. Well regarded in their day, they are no longer truly high-end, but a good choice for a mid-fi system or until something better comes along.   Audio Cables The Vinyl Tourist's DIY Silver Interconnect and Loudspeaker Cables   For years we've recommended a variety of interconnects and loudspeaker cables, including Kimber 8TC, 4AG, Goertz MITM. However, since the early 1990s, we have personally used a much less expensive alternative that out performs any other cable that we've ever tried. Visit our non-commercial sister site for complete DIY fabrication instructions. However, for listeners who don't have the time for DIY, we offer a retail version for only a modest increase above the cost of DIY (Do It Yourself).   Kimber KCAG Interconnects   Fabricated entirely from Teflon® insulated fine silver wire, Kimber's KCAG is as good an interconnect as you will find at any price. If your budget allows, choose the version with WBT NextGen Ag locking silver connectors.   Goertz Alpha-Core Interconnects   Goertz Alpha-Core interconnects consist of two or three flat, solid conductors sandwiched on either side of a microscopically thin dielectric. Given a choice, we recommend the solid silver versions.     Equipment Racks solidsteel   This Italian company manufactures tables and stands which offer outstanding beauty and function.