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End Game Turntable suggestions

Hello all, looking for insights to help me narrow down to some core choices; I am open to new or preowned. My system details can be seen under my profile.

In summary I have significantly expanded my vinyl collection and as of now I am looking to purchase an end game turntable appropriate for my setup. As you can see I use Mola Mola Kaluga Monos, and I really like the Zesto Pre and Phonostages. I find the class D/tube pre combination very pleasing. 

I would appreciate suggestions for around $5-8K (table + arm), new or used. I will have separate budget for cartridge. One preferred option (but not must-have) is universal voltage, as I may move the unit to Europe later. My current vintage turntable (Project Perspective) is 22 years old, and while I don't know how to compare to something really amazing, I can say that my setup is lacking detail and bass. The tonearm is terrible to keep aligned. Based on visits to Axpona and Cap Audio Fest and other research, I am thinking of a few in my budget, but will really value your suggestions of other brands:

- Origin Live Sovereign

- VPI Signature

- SAM Sinner

- Thorens TD 1601 (semi automatic)

Visual appeal is important to me (which is why Technics 1200 is not on my list despite great reviews everywhere). I love the idea of set it and forget it DD tables, but unfortunately mostly out of my budget (eg VPI HW-40 going for abt 11K used)....

Sorry for the long post but my hope is this background and help solicit good suggestions. Thanks

 

musicmatters1206

Showing 3 responses by billstevenson

billstevenson
564 posts
 

I own a VPI HW40 and am very happy with it.  I have also listened extensively to a Rega 10 and would be quite happy to listen to either one forever. 

 

billstevenson
564 posts
 

I know Sota and SME and Klipsch and others also have a reputation for long term, excellent after sales support.  It might be fun and useful for us to put our collective experience together and make a list of companies that we have knowledge of who have a good track record of support for their products and their customers.  Ortofon comes to mind for me too, now that I think of it.

billstevenson
564 posts
 

Mikey Fremer addressed the motor used in the HW40 in his review with very positive commentary.  It is an very high grade motor.  I know that Matt made a significant investment in inventory of motors to bring the price down on the product.  VPI has a track record that is unsurpassed in the industry for providing support for their products.  For example, this year I was able to purchase needed parts for my HW17 RCM that is 35 years old.  I have newer products from much bigger companies from Japan and Switzerland and the USA that are just decorations because parts are unobtainable. It makes me laugh when I read some of the posts on the web saying nasty things about companies like VPI, or McIntosh, or Conrad Johnson all of which support every product they ever manufactured.  Of course things could change, but the foot tracks in the sand are clear. 

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