If this sounds like YOUR Turntable story, please share your final chapter


You had a nice budget ($2k-$4K) table, which you enjoyed for years. It always served up the analog goods, and you always felt as if you were in a good place. However, like many of us, you have audiophilia nervosa. Having succumbed to this mystical force that commanded you to upgrade, you took the leap to the next plateau. You immediately heard the advantages of what your new, well designed table was offering up. It was quieter, music emerged from a blacker background. It had tighter, more articulate bass.....mids were clear, layered, involving, yet organized.... Highs were more extended,  filling your listening area with a more believable, 3D presence. You were in awe, for a while! Fast forward to the middle of the story. Even though the table was more substantial, and did many things better than your baby boomer table, you soon realized it appealed more to the brain than your heart. It could tend toward the drier side with many of your go-to vinyl treasures. You ultimately realized that while the new table received more check marks on the audiophile checklist, it was not as engaging on an emotional level. Let me cut to the chase. So you took one or two wrong exits, but you found your way back. In doing so, you once again found that engaging, special something, analog is capable of delivering. Which table brought you back to the analog promise land?
fjn04

Showing 5 responses by fjn04

I have absolutely no doubt about the Linn tables. May be time to expand on my thinking. martykl- absolutely, so many variables going on.
The intent of starting this thread is to see what Turntable setup stood the test of time for you. My situation is this. I have a Well Tempered GTA, and quite frankly, I can't imagine letting it go. I know it has shortcomings, and certainly tables that cost double, triple, or 4X it's price, WILL do things better. The GTA is just south of 4K US btw.  However, there are products out there that seem to lose the soul and emotion. I generalize with products, because I think it's true of sources, right through the chain to speakers. But let me not digress, and stay with the analog front end. I'm back in the market for a turntable, because as I have upgraded around the GTA, it has become the week link in my system. My price range is $5K-$10K for a table and tonearm. I think you all get where I'm going with this post. Sure, I want more audiophile bells and whistles. Deeper bass, blacker backgrounds, yada, yada, Darth Vader, Yoda. However, in the process, I don't want to lose what's most important.... The life and soul of the music.
Sounds like he made a very nice choice. I did hear a 401 in a Slate Plinth, but in a system a whole lot different than mine. I've already gone vintage with speakers....Bought a pair of Altec Valencia 846A's last year. Running a Shindo pre and amp in to the 16 Ohm Valencias. Many people in similar situations have gone vintage with a table. I'm just a serviceable setup and maintenance guy, so thus far, I've been reluctant.
lewm- I'm going to take a stab at that, without referring to Websters to look up tenable. (-:  With regard to the GTA, no offense taken.... In fact, I appreciate your candidness. That is exactly what I'm looking for.  I won't debate your specific comments regarding the WT, although my LP's sure don't sound the same. I just went to audition a table/arm in a store, that had my cartridge. With this table, I heard a sameness from LP to LP. Everything sounded slow, lacked pace, and was dark and lifeless. I won't mention the table because it's irrelevant, and as we all know, there are always variables involved with setup and all.  I believe the Amadeus is good at it's price point, but if I hear something in the 5-12K price range (with arm) that beats it, without losing the soul, I will be doing a victory dance. The table I heard last week certainly didn't, and it retailed for over 11K. I should be hearing another table next week, and that will be in the 6K range. bdp24- Indeed, the LINN tables have that reputation for serving the music first. I haven't had the opportunity to hear one. I do want to mention the REED tonearms have my attention. Woodsong is one of many dealers, and he pairs them with his vintage tables and hand made plinths. But I'm trying to get out there and hear what I can first.
No doubt the Woodsong/Vintage route could be the answer. Obviously, little or no options for audition, so my guess is most take the leap of faith. I've heard only good things about Chris Harbans work. I'm looking forward to my audition of the next contender in November. If anyone wants to know, ping me a PM, and I will share with you. If I make it public, it's tough to be honest about any potential negatives.