My final table , hopefully !

I'm sorry , I guess that I was not quite clear .

What I meant was that I had stopped doing all that of while lost in the digital world ! Now that I have found my way back , I've had a taste and I want More ! 

At this point in my discussion  , I am seeking information concerning stability in a table that will go the distance without futzing .

 Another one of my questions was if I would be able to alter the tables' characteristic sound via arms and cartridges if need be . I was hoping that these parameters could be addressed without regard to ones ear .

Can anyone else offer an opinion ? 

Ok , now we're cookin' ! Very good responses !

I have 2 votes for the Prime .

Moonglum ;

Yes the 750D would be a starter arm . I want to be sure that my next table would not be embarrassed by upgraded arms as well as cartridges . If you have a suggestion that would better it within that same price range , I would love to hear (lol) it .

 2 for Sota .

Orpheus ;

I too thought that the refurbished Sota looked like a sweet deal . The mellowness that you speak of was the reason I queried about the ability to change this characteristic with arms and cartridges .

I looked at the Rega's but was put off by all the talk of needing to upgrade the platter , sub-platter and counter weight to bring it up to its piers . I would rather start out with a solid unit that can stand on its own out-of-the-box .

Insightful take on the reviews by the way !

And 2 for WT .

Charles1dad ;

I was thinking that the WT would make a nice all -a- rounder . My only caveat was about upgrading the arm . Is it even possible ?

Have I failed to recognize any manufacturers ?

Please keep'em comin' people .

And a hardy Thank You One & All !

More great responses !

The VPI Prime seems to be garnering more votes as we go .

Charles1dad ;

You are probably very right in your assessment of the WT arm . I did not mean to infer that the arm needed to be replaced . Just that it probably could not , which may or may not be a limiting factor down the road .

Thanks People .

Orpheus ;

I'm with you on the used cartridges ! Not something  that I have ever considered .

Moonglum ;

Wow , custom designed tone arm kits ! That is a new one on me . Looks to be a decent project .

I have received a lot of really good information here . Some different avenues to consider and apply to my situation .

You all have been extremely helpful .

Thank You

Saki70

First and foremost , I want to thank everyone immensely !

The responses have been terrific and far more than I could've hoped for .

There is a lot of good information here that should help many others .

I decided to rule out anything used from a private party due to many horror stories about shipping damages . Also anything that came with a recommendation of an immediate upgrade or part change .

Sota - Obviously an excellent product with a great reputation  . But it was stated that it works best with different types of music than what I desire and I have no need for a suspension system . tdybare1 speaks of his Nova with the vacuum hold down but that is above my price point . So I ruled out Sota .

WT Amadeus MKII - Very well respected . I thought long and hard on this one . But considering my waning dexterity and the operation of the tone arm without the aid of lifting devices , I had to decide against it .

Avid Diva II - Nobody spoke to this one .

That leaves the Origin Live Calypso MKIII and the VPI Prime .

The Prime has garnered quite a few accolades , gets spoken of frequently , does not have any recommended upgrades and is 'Made in America' . So I ordered one today .

 Again , thank you to everyone . 

saki70

vindanpar ;

Isn't strange how that very same thing happens to quite a few individuals ?

We go astray but find our way .

Happy Tunes .

Thanks Moonglum !

These things do tend to take on a life of there own !

The cartridge is in , waiting on the table .

Happy Tunes

Just a short follow up ...

Straight out of the box this VPI Prime is a very noticeable improvement .

I had the dealer install the Ortofon 2M black cartridge and set up everything before shipping it to me . The counter weight had moved and needed adjustment and the arm and cartridge alignment were checked just to be sure .

With a cold tube amp and phono stage this is at least twice as good as my MMF 5.1 with stock cartridge ! There is just more of everything , which is what one would expect . Extension at both ends , definition ,macro and micro details , clarity , air it's all there in abundance . What I didn't expect was the individual placing of each performer and instrument , the 'they are here' presence and realistic tone . Now I know what is meant by a black quiet background . It sounds as if they are in the room with me . Everything is just so much clearer and realistic than before . Warmed up , takes it another couple of steps further up the ladder ! And it still is not broke in yet . VPI recommends at least 20 hours of play . Working .

 I am still using the same phono stage , a Hagerman Cornet 3 . This is a nice piece but I don't believe it to be in the same league as the VPI Prime . I feel another thread coming , down the road a bit ! 

I would like to thank my salesman Jeff Harris at Reference Analog in Moore OK.

When I had a problem with the counter weight , as mentioned above , he made himself available via telephone and was most gracious and helpful . He even went so far as to have me call back to make sure that all was well after trying it out , these calls were placed Saturday evening ! A classy guy who actually cares what happens 'after' the sale ! Kudos Jeff and thanks for the great deal too !

Listening to some really nice music .

saki70