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Ready to spend $1100 for upgrade and need inputs

I have AR turntable with Audioquest tonearm PT-15 for 15 years. Now I have $1100 to spend on a turntable plus tonearm; pre-owned is fine with me. (I got a new Denon DL-103 as gift). I only listen to classical music (all types). My other equpipment include: Black Cube (original) phono amp, Aesthetix Calypso pre-amp and Focus Audio FS-888 speakers.

What do you think of the AR + Audioquest combo if you have experienced with it? And how much is the re-sale value; say its in 6/10 condition. (since this is the only turntable system I've ever owned, I am unable to compare to others.)

Many thanks.
hivision

Showing 2 responses by uppermidfi

uppermidfi
277 posts
 
There are a lot of newer TTs out there, and there have been lots of improvements to TT since the AR. Is that the AR ES-1? I think your arm is an AudioQuest PT 5. That was a good arm at the time. The difference between the PT 5, PT6, PT 7 was the internal cable. So your arm can still be upgraded, I think.

There are too many TTs to recommend in one response and everyone will have their favorite, but you can do very well for yourself in that range.

I like some of the Sota products and it's possible you could get a Star, with the vaccuum. It is hard to go back to a non-vaccuum platter once you've spent some time with one. Project or Rega make several good tables too. I'm not a fan of VPI (I've never heard one that sounded as good as it should for the cost, and I've heard many from the 19 up to their flagship) but there are a bunch of them out there too.

Happy hunting.
uppermidfi
277 posts
 
I don't know anything about the Music Hall or Blue Note tables (sorry) so I won't comment on them.

Are you wanting a new table? Are you willing to buy used? As I've said, I'm underwhelmed with the VPI products other than their record cleaners, but that's up to you.

There are a lot of good tables for sale now. If I were getting back into vinyl I would probably get Project. Actually I've been talking to a friend about getting his currently unused Project. I guess that's the best endorsement I can give! : )
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