Chime in if you bought a second table that cost a fraction of your main table.


Let’s say this will be for those who have or had a main turntable setup in which the table and tonearm retail for $7K or more. You then went out and purchased a table/arm that retails for half (or less than half) of $7k. If this is your current or past scenario, what were your impressions. Please note: this is for someone who added the second table for the same setup, or a second system...not someone who simply downgraded. The reason for this thread is not to suggest that upgrades do not offer improvements... It’s geared more for the audio enthusiast who scratched and clawed to purchase what may be their last table. I thought it would be interesting to hear the thoughts of people who then added that lower cost table/arm, and their general experience with it coexisting with their higher priced table.

fjn04

Showing 1 response by zazouswing

My guess is that most of the responses will be something like ‘OK, I guess’. For me, my main system itself is somewhat modest. 2 tables, 3 arms, Groovemaster w/ Miyajima carts. I can listen to 78’s, 16” transcription records, and stereo recordings through the main system. I wanted a 3rd table to sit next to my listening position specifically for 45’s. I have a lot of great 45’s that weren’t getting a lot of play because of the constant getting up and down.  After looking for about a year I decided to try a Pro-Ject X1. I also wanted something that I would be willing to let others touch. I moved a SUT and phono pre next to the table. This table is set up with an alignment (don’t remember the name) to emphasize tracking at the inner grooves - good for 45’s I thought. The problem #1 is that the table can’t make it through test tracks which my other tables can easily get through. Problem #2 is that you need to select the 45 speed at every play. Problem #3 is that the acrylic platter fights you trying to swap 7” records. Problem #4 is that I just don’t like the carbon fiber tonearm - or whatever plastic looking material they call it is. No real good reason, I just don’t like it.

I’ll likely get the itch in a few years and swap it out. The sound - Ok, I guess. The reality is that the convenience it affords does not contribute to enjoyment.  Nobody says to themselves - “Wow, this really sounds like I didn’t have to get up”.