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  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 unreceivedogma

unreceivedogma's avatar
unreceivedogma
1,122 posts
 

I bought the VPI HW 19 Mk II with a Sumiko MMT arm and a Koetsu Black in 1985 from Sound By Singer.

I was going to upgrade to a VPI Classic around 2010, but Harry (Weisfeld: the "HW") told me that for $800 to $1,000, I can save myself $4,000 by simply upgrading the HW 19 to a Mk IV and I will have a table that is as good or better (the design philosophy change was forced on them by the EPA: no more lead rings in the platter). So I did.

I am taking it in to VPI to mount a new Jelco 750 arm and to give the table a lookover and tune up later this month.

In other words, I have a table that I have been using for 39 years. I expect to use it for another 25 years or until I die, whenever is later. Can’t beat that for value. BTW someone there told me that 82% of all their tables are still in use.

VPI has great products, and they "take care of their family" of customers after they close the deal.

As for arms, both have detachable shells. That’s allegedly not the best thing, but I need the convenience of switching cartridges. I am still getting terrific sound, so I stay with the convenience.

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