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
@vinylvalet 👍 nice suggestions As something more ambitious, a Technics 1200 G with the addition of an eBay Stainless Steel armboard coupled with an SME M2-9 would be rightfully nice, especially voiced with a Luxman Tungsten polymer record mat. Back in my retail “daze” I had set up a few Luxman PD-171A with special edition Silver finish SME Model 310 tonearms that were sonically & aesthetically beautiful. Of the choices provided, the Origin Live Sovereign seems most appealing. |
Mentioning Clearaudio, they’ve been active with the use of Panzerholz in their upper end plinths for several years now including options on mid-tier ‘tables as well. In addition to the dense “P’holz” material, they also use additional internal ballast damping. |
