Selecting Analog Gear Based on Music Preference?


I’m just getting into turntables and vinyl after building a fairly high-end digital system over the past few years. One thing I consciously did as I put together this system was “voice” it for synergy with the kind of music I like to listen to, which is fairly well-produced classic rock like Rick Rubin’s work with Tom Petty, Sting and the Police, Tears for Fears, etc. And I also like to listen to pop music like Sam Smith, Maroon 5, and George Michael. So I’ve built this system with a Naim NDX2/ND555PS and tube preamp/Luxman M900u power amp combo with high efficiency Volti horn speakers. 

I picked up a Technics SL-1200Mk2 with an Ortofon 2M Blue just to get things started, and I have a Parasound JC3 Jr which all seem to be a great first step. But before I do any upgrades to the turntable and cartridge I’m wondering if there are better tables and cartridges for different kinds of music and listening? I don’t want to fall in love with some high end table and find out it really only sounds best when listening to renaissance lute music or acoustic guitar singer/songwriters, etc. I’m looking to get groove and resolution similar to what I’ve found with the NDX2/ND555PS combo. 

I’m looking toward the $2.5-5K range, and at the top of the range I find the Dr Fieckert Volare and possibly the SOTA Sapphire very interesting, and I have a soft spot for Technics, so the 1200G is a possibility too. 

Is there a direction I should be heading in if I’m looking for the best rig to reproduce a certain genre of music?

jsqt

Showing 1 response by kingharold

Turntables without isolation should not exist. None of them are worth looking at.

I couldn't disagree more.  After thirty plus years of using sprung tt, AR XA then VPI HW 19, I changed to an unsprung Clearaudio Performance DC Wood.  I have never had better sound.  My DIY tt stand might play into this as its pedestal is a 350 lb. section of white oak log sanded smooth, stained and varnished.  It sits on a brick hearth which is supported by the ground.  I got the twenty something son of a good friend who is a competitive weight lifter to set it up on the hearth for me.