So many great golden era DD tables out there, what do you recommend for $1000?


Pretty much as the title says.
Have been looking for a while for a decent DD table to add to my lot.
Have bought a few lower end ones and ultimately been dissapointed.
Now I know there were/ are literally hundreds of choices from the Japanese Golden era of DD tables.
Looking for suggestions from actual owners of solid DD tables up to about $1000 .
I have read and read but nothing substitutes for real experience.
This would likely not be my primary table, my Garrard 401 has that position for now.

Thank you.
uberwaltz

Showing 2 responses by joysjane

Hey uberwaltz...

Nice nice on the QL-A7.
Had the QL-7 back in the day, cause I couldn’t afford the QL-10 at my pay rank, was a sweet-piece.

Regarding the arm lift at the end of play...
There are a few LP’s out there that have very short run-outs and even if adjusted (TT) correctly may still lift a tad early. Luckily those LP’s are not the norm.
Sounds like yours is the adjustment.
On the PS-x75 there are adjustments for where the arm starts on an LP/45 and when it lifts at the end.
Unless one can find a person that’s fully knowledgable with the operations and adjustments of a given tt, it usually requires the Service Manual. They can be downloaded for free.
Along with lewm’s suggestion of searching Vinyl Engine... some very knowledgable folks @ Audiokarma too.

That switching thing, way above this simpleton’s skull.

Doing the same here in looking for DD’s.
But, I’m going back to those tables.

Just recently purchased a Sony PS-X75 in incredible condition, restored inside along with the original shipping container and all the originals that it came with, loving’ it.
Tried to add a picture (PS-x75) here but... guess a-gon doesn’t support that.
That’s too bad... it’s gorgeous.

Added it to our Denon DP-2000, SME III Tonearm w/damping trough... very nice sounding deck.

Next purchase is the Trio KP-9010.
Tuff to find one with the original shipping container and all. Keep checking hifido.

After that’s acquired will be selling my TNT 5 and not turning back.
Need the full auto of the x75, and semi on the 9010, as we’re getting older and aren’t so steady with our hands. The wiff isn’t comfortable with the manual tables anymore... can relate where she’s coming from.
I’m still ok with the semi-auto’s for now but, definitely see that changing in the near future...
Then the Denon will have to go :(

What I’ve found is this... putting the money into the phono amp and cartridge makes the difference in creating an awesome sounding DD or BD TT, they’re both a means to spin the squiggles on a disc.
Either can be great with some fine supporting equipment...

Would be interested if you find the solution to the arm lift issue on your QL-A7...