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!

128x128dan_springer

@dan_springer - Congrats on your trusting your own instincts, I can see the allure of the Avenger Plus, it has the blessing of being very photogenic.

Your Statement is as follows:

"In the end I decided to go with the one that I enjoyed listening to the most, which was the Avenger Plus > Benz LP-S" > Diana Krall Live in Paris. 

I commend you for doing the footwork to experience the audio devices you have developed an interest in. 

I also know there is a Jaw on the Floor experience to be had, when Diana Krall is replayed.

As for the LP-S.

The following info, if not already known should really reassure you the choice has to be one to create excitement.

Do bear in mind, the Boron Cantilever and a few other design tweaks, especially in the Damper Material, Coil Wire and Winding Structure creates the Antithesis to the Richest of Bloom known for Heavy Wood Body Cart's.

The weight referred to is selected to have substantial impact on transferral of and dissipation of resonance  

Cart's Pedigree

Background on company and ruby generator: In the 1980s Ernst Benz developed his line of moving coil cartridges in conjunction with Sony in Japan and AJ van den Hul of the Netherlands. These pickups were immediately recognized for their high quality and brought to market under the Benz Micro name

Benz Micro LP S Class moving coil cartridge: The Benz Micro LP-S class cartridge is the flagship of the line representing over 20 years of R&D and production expertise. 

A few Words from a review

I developed a short list of contenders:  Miyajima Shilabe, ZYX Omega, Air Tight PC-1, Transfiguration Orpheus, Dynavector XV-1t, My Sonic Lab Eminent Ex. and Koetsu Sky Blue.  After sorting through a lot of opinions I called my friend Roger Swiatek at Music Direct.  He spoke highly of the new Benz LP-S.  It had also recently received a very positive albeit brief review in the series of seven cartridges auditioned by Harry Pearson in the October 2010 issue of The Absolute Sound.

Reviewers words on their first listening

Looking at my stack of LPs in frequent rotation, I decided on the Prestige reissue two-record set of Miles Davis Workin’ and Steamin’ [Prestige P-24034].  While some turn up their noses at reissues, I find many of the Prestige reissues to be quite good.  From the moment this cartridge hit the groove of the first cut "It Never Entered My Mind", I knew I was in for a very special treat.

The gently caressing piano intro just melted me. When Miles’ muted trumpet came in shortly after, I could hear all of the breathiness behind it and a warm golden glow in each note.  As he ascended the scale I was astonished by the composure in the upper midrange.  There was absolutely no glare in this critical region.  I was immediately taken back to my early days of trumpet playing when my mother used to yell up the stairs while I was practicing in my room, admonishing me to get the tone right.  If only my mother was still alive to experience this. This was sheer tonal splendor!  Playing this album with the Benz LP-S began a sonic torrent of records that put me into a state of bliss from which I may never recover.  At least I hope I won't.

Once more I look forward to your sharing on your new to be encountered experiences.
 

                      

 

 

Perhaps you should also consider the latest SOTA Cosmos and Millenia turntables.  These tables provide bulletproof construction, isolation that is second to none, and common sense value for the money.  Go to sotaturntables.com for more information.

Probably late to the game, but I received my Pure Fidelity Harmony a week ago & love it. They just started offering it with the Audio  Origami arm & I prefer it to the Illustrious that I initially received (had an issue & had to be replaced). This is a significant upgrade to my previous TT the Gold Note Valore 425 plus with Hana SL MC.

I got the VPI Avenger rim drive so I could use multiple arms.  I later upgraded my VPI arms to  Schroeder CB-L (VDH GC cart), Schlick (SPUs), 4point (all other carts incl mono).  VPI is a long established company, and with the son Matt running it I’d expect continued longevity.