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
"VPI HW-40 going for abt 11K used)" Find the right seller and proper negotiating, you could probably get one for $10K or less. Used VPI's are plentiful, so you're in the driver's seat for what you want to pay. I'd add the Rega P10 w/Apheta to your list for the "best" plug n play/set and forget table.
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"If i can stretch the budget it really does check every box in my list. Also I heard it at a show last year, but of course how they sound on 200+K systems is a different matter..." musicmatters1206- If I were in the buying mode w/$10K burning in my pocket, a used HW40 would be on my short list. While VPI is pooh poohed by the purists, I've never heard a properly setup VPI sound bad. I use a Classic, and like the traditional look, which the HW 40 follows. Put a $5K+ LOMC and proper phono stage=done.
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"Many people raise concerns abt potential future problems if motor goes bad - any idea if VPI stocks these motors?" I wouldn't be concerned about future motor problems. Even in the event something goes wrong, VPI historically has been solid with product support-even with MW at the helm. My personal experiences have been positive. VPI's DD's have been out long enough to read about iffy motor or other problems. I haven't come across anything in mags/forums. |
(Thorens 1601) with a 5K cartridge? Many pundits seem to say that if the table isn't super high end, you cant benefit from this level of cart." Other than the Rega in you final four lineup, consider the Audio Technica ART line for LOMC. Plenty of praise in reviews/forums. Maybe a "Best" in performance/price. ART Series - Line Series - Cartridges | Audio-Technica If you go Rega P10 use Apheta/Aphelion MC to keep with the Rega philosophy of minimal fuss with setup/adjustment. You'll likely be satisfied with any of your choices. I'd probably go with the no fuss P10 and call it a day. Happy listening with your final pick. Always fun to have a new addition to the setup.
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