2. analog
  3. 1435599255

Help with Turntable/arm/cart decision

Hello Audiogoners please help me with a NEW turntable purchase. System is McIntosh C2200 pre with MC352 amp. Speakers are Dynaudio Contour 3.0's. OK, looking for a complete new turntable with tonearm and a cartridge for under $5,000. So far I am looking at: Clearaudio Performance DC w/verify tonearm, Pro-Ject Xtension 10 w/10cc EVO arm. I would like to be able to use my MM phono input through the C2200, I would consider an external phono pre if needed. I really like MC carts over MM's not sure why.....maybe mc seems to me to be more accurate and dynamic?? Or maybe I haven't heard a great MM. Tables I have had in the past are....Thornes TD160 w/TP16 tonearm with Grado Prestige woodbody, I think. Also, Rega P3 w/RB301 tonearm and a Dynavector 10X5. Help, I want something up a level or 2 from these, if possible?
mattmiller

Showing 4 responses by jperry

jperry
2,468 posts
 
Matt, I would look for a used Basis with Vector tonearm or a used SME 10 including Model 10 tonearm (under $5K on the SME would be a great deal). Either of those would be a huge step up for you, even if you continued to use your current cartridge.

Best Regards,

Jim Perry
jperry
2,468 posts
 
Matt, I have heard the Pro-ject Xtension 10 and 12 turntables many times. I think they are great price performers and will be a very nice improvement over your current setup.

I would like to know your thoughts on your new v. old setup after you have time to let everything settle in.

Good Listening,

Jim Perry
jperry
2,468 posts
 
Matt, go to vinylengine.com and input the information on the arm and cartridge. It will calculate the resonant frequency for you. The Cartridge Resonance Evaluator is located in the tools tab. I did this and looks like compliance of 14 - 24 would be suitable. I could not find a compliance specification for your cartridge. Sorry about your REL.

Best Regards,

Jim Perry
jperry
2,468 posts
 
That is good news Matt. Before returning the turntable, assuming you are still having the woofer pumping problem, I would replace the belt. If that does not resolve the problem, I think you should return the turntable for repair/replacement.

I have heard this model on many occasions in different systems and have not seen this problem, and based on the periodicity of it, I think the problem is in the turntable you received.

I don't blame you for not wanting to replace something that sounds much better than your old Rega, however you might have received a defective example.

Best of luck in finding a solution
More to discover