2. analog
  3. 181591-138892

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 vonhelmholtz

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

End Game.. I guess that is where I’m at.  I decided to stop buying equipment .. and no more ice cream.

I’ve the VPI Signature 21, but avoid the unipivot arm.  I’m coming from a 1200G/Hana ML.  The Technics/Hana are a great value package, but I understand that you don’t want the 1200. .  I went with an end of the bank account cartridge, so that would not work, but it did make the VPI really sound great.  For me, the Signature 21 was the sweet spot for VPI.  Pretty sure the HW40 is a better turntable.

More to discover