2. analog
  3. 191573-185452

Turntable suggestions for a newbie

Hello all. Beginning my journey into analog. I've recently gotten some advice on here in regards to my integrated tube amp selection. I may be going about things backwards, but here's where I'm at now. I'm 99% in on the Raven Blackhawk as my amp.  At Ravens suggestion I've purchased the Schiit Skoll as my phono stage. So now I'm looking at tables. I've narrowed it down to 3 although I'm open to suggestions.  Here they are in order:

1)VPI Scout 21

2)MoFi ultra deck

3)Michell Technodec 

The VPI is 1 because it looks bad ass and has really good reviews. Draw back is that it doesn't include a cart so is getting a little pricey for me with the additional cost of a cart. Not to mention that I'm not sure where to start as far as carts go. The MoFi is intriguing because it can be purchased with their ultra gold cart for less than the cost of the VPI. Looks are but not as nice as the VPI. Both are USA  made. Third choice is the Michell.  Looks great too. No cart either. It seems like the VPI is also upgradable. One concern that I have is that whatever table I choose will be placed on my council next to my center channel with L and R towers and a sub on either side.  Not really any other options unfortunately. The VPI and the Michell have isolated drives. My concern is that the the table location will be prone to vibration and may effect any table with an isolated drive.  Is this a legit concern?  Center channel wouldnt be used while listening to LPs.  Would an isolation platter mitigate any adverse effects from adjacent towers and subs?  Am I over thinking this?....

sandrodg73

Showing 1 response by phreak411

phreak411
3 posts
 

I've owned a Mofi Ultradeck for almost two years. In that time, it's been a pretty a solid turntable, requiring little to no intervention. I think it sounds a little more tone rich the the Technics I also tried at the time. However, one thing I wish I would have known before I purchased it, is that is has a very heavy 24g tonearm. That heavy of a tonearm can be a bit limiting in cartridge choices. Though all the MoFi (rebadged AT) cartridges would be compliant.

Music Direct says they have installed many out of compliance cartridges on them, and other people have posted on various forums about using out of compliance cartridges, but I'm not so sure I want to spend $1k plus on a cartridge to find out.

I probably would have gone in a different direction had I have know. Either with a Sota Escape with an Origin Live Silver tonearm or a VPI.

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