Michell Gyro Dec - I have had mine for 30 years and still going strong. At least two hi-fi reviewers here in the UK use one as a source coupled with an SME 309 or IV tonearm. John Michell preferred the SME V which I use on my "Orbed" Gyro Dec - see my system pics.
Most beautiful turntable under $5k
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but thought this might be a fun topic. Obviously the most important thing about audio gear is how it sounds, but I find some of it truly beautiful to look at too, particularly turntables, which almost by necessity are best placed somewhere on display. Some days I love the simplicity of something like the Clearaudio Concept Wood (particularly the dark wood)….other days the “audio jewelry” appearance of EAT or VPI. My personal vote, however, would go to the Gold Note Pianosa. For me it has a timeless beauty and elegance that’s never over the top. I can’t imagine ever tiring of looking at in and think it would look great with a wide array of decor.
What would be your personal choice for most beautiful turntable under $5k? What about cost-no-object options?
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On the polar opposite: Mag Lev ML-1:
I had one to try for couple of months. Utter beauty to see that levitating platter in action. ...but plain annoying operation (super-slow star- and slowdown times) and sonically not as pleasing, you could hear nearly 1/5th of note variation (wow/flutter) by ear on loud sections and relatively noisy at low level sections, especially in loud environment. But boy, it’s a work of art in it’s phisics-curiosity looks when it plays :)
(For comparison 1200G is like a blitz fast rock solid table, utter simplicity and ease of use, class-leading stability and silent as a church mouse even in open-air festival-amplification sound levels and those who ask: for me actually more beautiful in that silver!) |
Funk Firm Sapphire or Vector. Form follows function. |
I remember wanting to get a 'statement piece' for my final turntable...but I had such a great ownership experience with my original Technics 1200mk2 that I decided to double down and get a 1200G. It's more beautiful and sophisticated in person than photos can express. I know I will never need to worry about it ever. That's beautiful to me.
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The B&O is quite nice looking.My college roommate had that table. I would bet that even if it were in good working condition, the bespoke cartridge would be hard to find. |
The now vintage Danish Bang and Olufsen 4000 turntable. It was on display in New York’s Museum of Modern Art from 1978-?. In addition to its sleek, slim design it had one of the earliest B&O patented moving iron cartridges, plus tangental straight arm tracking that mimicked the way record cutting machines tracked. Bought one when in the service back then and couldn’t believe it when I saw it at the MOMA when home in NY on leave. Might have cost somewhere around a $1000 back then, but can’t really remember. That was two-three months pay for a private first class, but a great investment. Used it until three years ago when I couldn’t fix it anymore, even with a second parts machine to salvage from. It was a beauty and kept on display at home on a slab of marble on an antique cabinet. I loved that thing.
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likely something vintage......in a nice, classy, plinth. Garrard 301 or Thorens TD-124 in good condition with a simple arm can be acquired easily for $5k or less. these will fit into most room styles. and knowledgeable visitors will assume you know what you are doing. and not just checking the tt box. beauty is subjective......but these two are nice looking and very fine sounding too. here is another idea.... https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa4aaa-analogueworks-tt-two-top-of-the-line-demo-turntables |
