New Turntable Direction


It's been a long time since I sought the opinions of the community.  I have been a happy Linnie for 20+ years stopping after upgrades with the Ekos, Cirkus, Lingo, and suspension.  I still have my Shelter 90X.  A recent upgrade inquiry resulted in approximately 6K investment in my table and this just doesn't seem to make sense considering it's age.  I have considered investing the 6K in a new table and staring all over.  I have initially looked at Oracle, VPI, and Basis in part because they have been around for as long as I have been doing this.  For what it is worth my phono stage is still a Rhea.  So what do you think new table or another Linn upgrade and if new table what brand?  As always I appreciate your feedback.
xagwell
+1 Rega Planer 10.  Great review in Stereophile
https://www.stereophile.com/content/rega-planar-10-turntable-rb3000-tonearm-apheta-3-phono-cartridge
Drawback is changing cartridges which may require fiddling like spacers.

Newer modern Technics turntables has also garnered many positive reviews.

VPI also a solid alternative.  I picked up a used Avenger w 2 tonearms for $8k. 
As time marches on, there have been many continuous sonic/technical improvements in turntables, tonearms, cartridges often using computer programs and equipment in designing/engineering especially in micro vibration management. There’s also been advances in materials and tighter tolerances.  Linn is a fine turntable, but many newer brands/models outperform it.  
Apologies if off topic, but to significantly upgrade your the sonics perhaps you should upgrade your cartridge as well.  The modern Hana cartridges have a fantastic bang/buck performance- that’s why they sold so many.
A friend was a long term Linn fan and had got up to a Radikal but still with an Aro holding his Ortofon Cadenza Bronze. Next thing I knew he’s sold it all and was extolling his new Well Tempered Versalex, admittedly with a DV  DRT XV1t. The Versalex has stayed for several years now despite trying the Amadeus 254 GT. 


I had a Basis with a Rega tonearm. Replace it with a Basis Vector tonearm, and you will be amazed.


vinylshadow
6 posts


07-31-2020 5:22pm
I’m in the exact same boat as the OP with my Basis 2001 w/ suspension/Rega RB900/McCormack Micro Phono Drive. Love my Basis but updates will be as much as new everything. I’m looking into Vertere. The MG-1 t.t. and SG-1 tonearm. PHONO- 1 phono stage as well...Vertere is very different than Basis as far as motor on the plinth and lack of suspension(I believe)....I have a 250 pound Sound Anchors rack so suspension may be less important a consideration.
I’ve read good things about Vertere...Have you or any posters here looked into or heard about them?