Should I keep the Turntable or sell it?


I’ve been back and forth on this decision for about a month, and the more I learn, the harder this decision gets.

Backstory: I won the brand new Cambridge Audio Alva TT turntable in an online contest in mid-May, and while it sounds great, I decided to list it for sale a couple weeks ago. I’ve always wanted to try out a Rega P6 or P3 with a really nice cart, because I feel like I’m not getting enough out of my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. Prior to winning the Alva TT, I switched the Red Ortofon out for the Blue, and there was a great improvement in sound quality. But after comparing the Pro-Ject to the Alva TT and hearing what a $1700 turntable can sound like, I definitely am interested in exploring more high fidelity turntables. The issue is that I feel like I prefer the sound of tubes over solid state, and the Alva TT uses an integrated Alva Duo phono preamp for the RCA out, and their own DAC for the Bluetooth out if I want to go that route. I don’t have a ton of experience with tubes, and maybe it’s just the “cool factor” I actually like and I’m just having a placebo effect.

So I decided to list it for sale to try and get a Rega, because I heard so many great things about them. But over the last week or so, I’ve learned more about the Alva TT and how it uses Rega’s famous tonearm. I looked up the cart and it is listed at $500 separately, which is probably why it sounds better than the Pro-Ject w/ Ortofon Blue. I’ve also read on these boards about direct drive being better than belt, which the Alva has as well. It also has the added bonus of Bluetooth that go directly to my KEF LS50 Wireless, but I would most likely just use interconnects.

So I would love to get some advice from you all. I’ve gone back and forth about keeping the Alva or selling it, along with my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, and buying/trading for something like a Rega P3 or P6. If you had my first world problem, what would you do?
bignamehere

Showing 10 responses by robelvick

Things turn out best for those who make the best out of the way things turn out.
@nicktheknife  Incorrect speed would drive me crazy too. 

The speed stability on the Technics is second to none.  VTA adjustment (on-the-fly) is the easiest I've ever used as well.  Owning numerous cartridges, that is a must - not to mention how easy it is to swap carts with a removable headshell.

I'm on my second 1200GR.  First one I gave to a buddy who wanted to upgrade from his Pro-Ject.  I did go back to a few belt drives in-between, and was never happy (VPI Aries Scout, Clearaudio Emotion CMB, and Music Hall MMF7.3).

Good luck on your search!
I retract my Technics suggestion/recommendation. Keep what you have, you’ll be happier and that’s most important.
@bignamehere Correct, Pro-Ject and Music Hall are in the same family, so quality should be similar per price range.  

I have not heard the Sumiko BP2, or Quintet Red, but I have owned the Quintet Black.  The Sumiko is a high output MC, which I usually don't care for, but can't say anything definitive since I haven't heard one.

Quintet Black in excellent though, but that's at the top of that range.  I'm guessing it would be similar comparing the 2M Red to 2M Black, which there is a huge difference in SQ.

I'm you like the Classic table, I would choose the non-SB version, and then pick a different cart.  Most dealers will you give you a discount on a cart, if you buy the table from them.


Another combo I would say to take a close look at: The Music Hall MMF 7.3 w/ Ortofon 2M Bronze. Same price range.

I also used to own a Clearaudio Emotion CMB (which is a slight upgrade from the Marantz). I had a Maestro V2 cart on my Emotion (better cart than the Virtuoso that comes with the Marantz). I’ve also had the Virtuoso mounted on other tables. I have a lot a carts.

I liked the MMF 7.3 much more, and the Ortofon 2M Bronze I like more than all the Clearaudio carts. The 2M Bronze can also be fitted with a 2M Black styli, which will take it up a notch further.

Just my $.02


I was also not impressed by the Denon cart, especially compared to what else is available for the same price.

Not a bad price for the used Emotion, but like @uberwaltz mentioned, I would change the cart. The Denon takes some knowledge, and patience to setup/mount correctly as well. Ortofon 2M carts are much easier, especially if you go with the MMF 7.3, which it’ll be premounted. Just a few minutes to double check, as you should always do.

If you liked the 2M Blue on the Project, then the Music Hall w/ 2M Bronze will make you very happy.
HiFi Heaven is a very good option.  Used them numerous times for purchases and trade-ins.  Never any issues.

I like The Music Room (TMR Audio) the best though, but their selection of turntables is smaller, most of the time.  Shipping is fast, and the guys over there are very reasonable and responsive to inquiries.