Origin Live.
Turntable advice
Hello everyone, I’m looking to buy my first turntable and want to get some advice about two specific turntables that I’m looking at. I can get both of these for a similar cost, so I’m looking for opinions on which way I should go. First, my current system consists of Rockport Cygnus, McIntosh mc1.25kw’s, McIntosh c2700 (will be used as phono stage at the start), dcs Bartok apex for digital, Cardas clear reflection cables (not power), rel no 31 pair of subs and torus power units.
The tables that I’m down to (unless I choose to not spend as much out the gate) are a VPI Avenger Plus, most likely with a Hana ML cartridge and a Pure Fidelity Harmony with the illustrious se Tonearm and either the same cart or potentially the stratos cartridge.
If I go this route, I’d like something that could eventually get more out of upgrades cartridges or tonearms down the road. Any advice or thoughts would be helpful, especially if you have experience with both. Thanks in advance!
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- 38 posts total
Check out Skyfi audio they have VPI trade in similar to what you are looking for in excellent condition at almost half the cost. I saw it in person last week when I was picking up a Hana Red and it looks new. With the money you save, put it toward a better Phono Pre. I've been using a McIntosh MP1100 and couldn't be happier with the quality and flexibility. I am running two tables a VPI classic 2 and a Technics 1200G (so 1 belt and 1 direct drive). I was looking at the Avenger but don't have the funds to justify right now. Best of luck! |
@dan_springer "First" turntable suggests you're just getting into vinyl. If so, there's a lot more to know about getting the best sound quality from a vinyl source (e.g. record cleaning systems; record brushes; stylus cleaners; quality pressings & recordings; etc.). |
We can go on naming excellent TTs forever. Do you have a record collection? If so, what's in it? It astounds me that people whose musical tastes consist of mass produced pop and rock music spend big $$$ on highly revealing systems in the first place, but especially where vinyl is the source. In case you are a "serious music" lover, I apologize for gatekeeping...then I ask do you have pre-established opinions about what constitutes a satisfying LP listening experience? When I began my audio journey at the cusp of the 1970's, I lusted for a Rabco SL8E on a Thorens TD-125, the epitome of playback perfection at the time, I thought. At college a rich kid had one, and never once was there a day he could get it to work! My much less ambitious Rabco ST-4 with an XLM was a tad fussy, but I played it to death. If you have no background in the delights and physics of analog, I advise you to take it easy on yourself and get a Technics SL1000RES for $20K or the SL1210G for $4300, and buy an assortment of cartridges and headshells to make it fun. Include an Ortofon SPU of some sort, a vintage Stanton 681 or Shure V15-V with an advanced stylus tip, a hot rodded Denon DL103, a Soundsmith MI, and a cheap Audio Technica VM95C for records in rough shape. The MC2700 has a very good phono preamp. Let your ears tell you if you need more. |
- 38 posts total