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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 1 response by fleschler

fleschler
2,046 posts
 

I own both a VPI 19-4 for 78s and a VPI TNT VI w/modified SME IV arm.   I would recommend a VPI turntable; however, the TNT has awful footers (now resting on a Townshend Seismic Sink-maybe a Townshend platform in the future).  Make certain that the VPI you buy has either good anti-vibration footers or be prepared to spend a little more for vibration isolation (like the reasonably priced Townshend platform). 

Several friends own the Scout+ and Aries+ using Dynavector cartridges and get great sound.  They also state that the 20X2 H is the best all-rounder because it plays all LPs well.  One has the latest karat D and another the XX2.  Neither are all rounders like the 20X2.  I decided not to spend $3-4K on a replacement for my Benz Ruby3 and purchased the Dynavector 20X2 L (better highs/resolution).  Wow, a bargain and fantastic into a standard 100 ohm loading.  It works into my EAR 864, EAR 324 and as stepped up into my Allesso SUT.  That's my recommendation (I've gone hi-end with those components at a low cost-the EAR 864 has great NOS tubes, Stillpoint UltraSS footers and a Synergistic Research blue fuse with superb cabling-all necessary to elevate the pre-amp to high end status).  

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