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Turntable cost:benefit

I read the new Garrard 301 review in the current "Stereophile" with great interest, especially as my father owned one which he jettisoned decades ago...most unfortunately. Anyway, appealing as the re-issue is, the cost is punitive, as noted by the author.

With that preamble, I'm interested in forum members' thoughts on the cost:benefit ratio of a high priced turntable for a modest vinyl collection. In my case, that's around 800 LPs. Another reason I'm curious is that I have a friend who simply "decided to get into vinyl" and bought a ~$15k turntable plus a comparably priced tonearm + cartridge. He owned zero vinyl at the time of the purchase. Now I think he has about 20 "audiophile" pressings to enjoy on that TT.

To answer my own question, I can't justify a turntable at that price level for my own vinyl collection. Actually, I can't really summon up a compelling argument for such a purchase. Plus, I'm quite content with my  VPI HW-19 Mk 2 (though a better cartridge would be attractive).

Assuming disposable funds are not the absolute deciding factor and other components in your system are good enough to support a high end TT, what size record collection do readers think justifies a turntable costing over some arbitrary (say around $3000 for the purposes of argument) threshold? Is that even a consideration?
kacomess

Showing 1 response by larryi

larryi
4,225 posts
 
I don't think it is at all possible to come up with a "rational" estimate of this sort for any kind of purchase.  If you have only a few albums that you are crazy about, it might make sense, to you, to get a great table.  I would spend quite a bit even if I were forced to pare my collection down to something like my favorite 100 albums.  

As for the 301, the price for these refurbished tables is extremely high, given that you can still get the same table in reasonable condition on the used market for a lot less, but, in terms of performance, it is a competitive table when compared to modern high end tables.  If you value highly sound that is  dynamic and punchy, and you are forgiving of some noise, it is a better selection than a lot of expensive belt drive tables.  I own an expensive belt drive table, but, I can see the appeal of top notch idlers like the Garrards, Thorens 124 and Lenco tables.

The bad news for owners of vintage 301 and 401 tables is that the newly manufactured replacement parts that use to come from Loricraft will no longer be available except to those who own the "new" (actually refurbished) tables.  It is time to scour the market for motor bushings and rubber motor mounts, etc.
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