Looking for a more solid-feeling turntable (and maybe a new preamp)


Hey all,

This has been my system for years:

  • Line Magnetic LM-218IA

  • Davone Ray speakers

  • Shindo Aurieges preamp

  • Rega RP10 with a Dynavector XX-2 cart
     

The Rega’s been good to me, but I’ve never fully loved it. It just feels a bit light and fragile—both in physical build and in the way it presents music. I’m looking for something that feels more grounded, stable, and confident. Obviously I’m also looking for something that would complement the LM and the Rays.

The Shindo I do like a lot, but if there’s something out there that keeps the musicality and adds a bit more clarity or grip or that works in conjunction with any turntable recommends, I’d be open to hearing about it.

I listen mostly to rock, electronic, ambient, experimental, some jazz.

Budget is around $10k all-in.

Appreciate any recommendations!

hiscores

I showed a few I never had personal experience with

I owned the Thorens SME combo, terrific within a solid space

I setup the Luxman 2 arm unit for my friend, it’s terrific

I setup one of these for another friend

https://www.ebay.com/itm/296674709589?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=5a2198e8-12fe-11f0-9fd8-306235663565

the EPA B500 base has easy change arm wands, including the S arm with removable headshell, a straight arm fixed headshell,    is a very compact yet multiple arm combo, the specs of the old SP-10,15,25’s have yet to be surpassed,

they don’t show or mention it, but confirm it comes with the dust cover.

 

bgross

I feel lucky to live near VAS, I think you are lucky to live near Holthill

budget for isolation base so you can experience BASS… or just get the best SOTA you can fit in the budget

Thanks all for the suggestions so far!

To answer a question upthread, I've been using the Shindo Aurieges as my phono stage.

And one thing I definitely want to ensure is that any new turntable/preamp pairs well with my SET system and also, ideally, with my Dynavector XX2.

Does anyone have any recommendations that pair well with Line Magnetic SETs specifically?

Does anyone have any recommendations that pair well with Line Magnetic SETs specifically?

That’s almost meaningless.  Everyone’s taste is different so what one person likes with the LM may have nothing to do with what you’re looking for or even be opposite to what you’re looking for.  Better to be as specific as possible about what specific improvements you are looking for and then you’ll get some very meaningful and more useful recommendations here.