Turntable options


Looking for a table in th 10k range with arm and cart. Could stretch the budget to 15k if worth the extra $’s. I’ve considered, Clearaudio innovation or ovation with Koetsu Black Cart and universal 12 arm/ Brinkmann Bardo with Pi cart or AMG Giro. 

All insight and options welcomed. It’s fun to evaluate, but not sure if the juice is worth the squeeze. I’m also interested in recomendations for table platform form vibration. 

Thanks
hambon

Showing 2 responses by sleepwalker65

@hambon said:

I can’t get on the DD Technics wagon.... maybe I need to learn more about there stuff.

Being an educated consumer is essential. Sure, you can achieve great satisfaction with esoteric gear. The problem is that you may never experience the peak potential satisfaction unless you look analytically at the challenge. It’s all in the details. And then there is the matter of articulating yourself to the product specialists. So much can be lost in communication. (their? .... there? .... they’re? ....) If you are serious about your pursuit, invest the time to learn the rationale behind why Technics direct drive turntables are so widely accepted. (It isn’t because of all the rappers that destroy them!). Take some time and investigate what a moving coil can do, compared to a moving magnet. Don’t let other people make up your mind for you. And lastly, decide if you could fill your needs at a lower price point - many less expensive turntable / cartridge / phono stage solutions can perform every bit as well as (or better than) much of the stratospherically priced gear. That money you could save might buy you more financial security in retirement if you put it into your investment portfolio. Just a few thoughts.
I chose vintage Technics direct drive with my SL-1700mk2. I restored it and upgraded the interconnects and feet. For a turntable of any age, let alone 40 years old, its performance is top-drawer. Cost to me was about $1500 all in, with a Audio-Technica VM540ML in the headshell with NOS platter mat and KAB litz tonearm wire and damper.