Michell Gyro SE. You really can’t do better for the price. If you double the budget, then SME Model 10.
Advice Needed on Choosing a Turntable
Greetings....
I have a budget of about $3600 to $3800 for my main listening system's turntable. I've considered both a VPI...although at this price point I can't get the model I'd like... and a Thorens 125 from Vinyl Nirvana. I've also played with the idea of a Gem Dandy, but currently it's a distant third.
I guess my main question is, how does the Thorens stack up against (for the same amount of $ spent) to the VPI. I have to admit that as of late I'm really partial to vintage gear and like the idea of having the Thorens in the system, but at that price I don't want to sacrifice sound quality just for nostalgia.
Feel free to offer advice on these players or any others at this price point you feel offers great bang for the buck.
Thanks in advance for the helpful input...
I have a budget of about $3600 to $3800 for my main listening system's turntable. I've considered both a VPI...although at this price point I can't get the model I'd like... and a Thorens 125 from Vinyl Nirvana. I've also played with the idea of a Gem Dandy, but currently it's a distant third.
I guess my main question is, how does the Thorens stack up against (for the same amount of $ spent) to the VPI. I have to admit that as of late I'm really partial to vintage gear and like the idea of having the Thorens in the system, but at that price I don't want to sacrifice sound quality just for nostalgia.
Feel free to offer advice on these players or any others at this price point you feel offers great bang for the buck.
Thanks in advance for the helpful input...
12 responses Add your response
Another turntable that need no modification and ready to accommodate 2 tonearms of any size (from 9inch to 12 inch) is the Luxman PD-444 direct drive. I think the price is under $2500 + tonearm of your choice. Motor made by Micro Seiki. I use two of them on my custom made racks, very happy about the quality of LUX. Technics Sp10mkII has been moved aside, and Victor TT-101 waiting in the line. Luxman is a top quality turntable, superheavy, great design. I think for $2500 it will be hart to find anything better, especially for two tonearms (if needed). More info: http://www.thevintageknob.org/luxman-PD444.html |
I am in a similar situation, but I have an old system and am in the process of looking for a new turntable, cartridge, phono preamp to compliment the new system I am putting together. So far I have the Outlaw RR2160, Magnepan .7, Rega Apollo-R CD and Cambridge Azur 851N. I have been researching the VPI Prime Scout, Rega Planar 6, Music Hall 7.3 or Project Xperience SB and starting to listen where I can. I am leaning towards the VPI or Rega, but have not decided. I also have the vintage system – Kenwood KR-9600, Infintity RSb speakers with Thorens 145 and Systemdek IIx turntables. I am interested to see where these two old turntables sound compared to the new one once I decide. |
VPI Prime Super Scout, loads of upgrades, ie classic platter, 10.5 JMW memorial tonearm, VTA on the fly, limited edition only available thru upscale audio. $2899.00 brand new. No affiliation with upscale audio but did purchase it and am thrilled with it. Fit the budget and compares to the VPI Prime easily. FWIW |