2. analog
  3. 179508-29898

One turntable with two arms, or two turntables with one each - which would you prefer?

Which would you prefer, if budget allowed: one turntable with two tonearms or two turntables with one each? What would your decision criteria be?

And the corollary: one phono preamp with multiple inputs or two phono preamps?

Assume a fixed budget, but for the purposes of this question, the budget is up to the responder. Admittedly for this type of setup, there will be a sizeable investment once all components of the chain are factored in.

I'm curious to hear how people would decide for themselves the answer to this question. Or maybe you've already made this decision - what do you like about your decision or what would you differently next time?

Cheers.

dullgrin

Showing 1 response by babydoc

babydoc
14 posts
 

As a professional audio reviewer, I have had to set up three different systems to best match what ever component comes in for review, depending on price point and specifications.

I have three turntables, all VPI: VPI HW40, VPI HRX and VPI Aries 2. The latter two have three arms with different cartridges (two are mono-only). The reason I have been with this brand for more than 20 years is that their tables are easy to set up, not fussy, and just plain work--an important consideration on a day to day basis.

As for the Dullgrin's basic question, I would recommend that those coming to LP playback for the first time, focus on getting the best turntable/arm/cartridge for their  money. Fortunately, there are now many reasonably priced tables and cartridges that yield excellent performance.  While reading reviews of such equipment is a good place to start, the ideal would be to go to a bricks-and-mortar store and check out these components yourself with assistance from a knowledgeable salesperson.

More to discover