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!
Rega is cutting edge lightweight design is known to be fast and nimble, but can be light for some in bass weight. Mass loaded turntables are known for ample bass weight like VPI which would be a solid choice. This Pure Fidelity Harmony turntable review also has reviews for other 10k turntables in the “Conclusion” section Maybe like the UltraDeck, but the MoFi MasterDeck might also be high performance/price. |
@bgross I'd pass on that Super Scoutmaster. I have the same turntable with a 3D printed 10" tonearm that I bought last year for half the price. Mine doesn't have the SDS which is available for about $1k nor the rim drive which I've seen discussed as inferior to the belt drive. Just my 2 cents, you could do as well or better for that price new from VPI. |
I have had my VPI Scout Master, with the JMW Memorial arm for about 20 years - zero issues & great performance. The Scoutmaster is massive enough but can still be lifted, an increasingly important factor to me as a pre-boomer! Sutherland duo phono stage & Benchmark LA4 preamp for about 8 years. The Sutherland + Benchmark combination beats the CAT SL that I'd used since the 90's, in every way. The Sutherland reveals the grooves' contents to an astonishing degree. The duo might just break the 10K limit but there are a couple of Sutherland pieces that meet the limit. |
