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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
stevencason
91 posts
 

I had a VPI scout and used it for about 20 years.  VPI may not be a good choice if you like to switch cartridges (I currently rotate between 3 cartridges on a regular basis)  If you do want to do that a different tonearm may be indicated (one with a removable head shell).

 

I currently use a rega turntable which is very easy to set up and installed a grace tonearm on it from the 70's.

 

VPI is good but a bit fussy to set up.

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 

If your Ortofon is not that great it's worn out (go to Soundsmith for repair) or is not set up correctly.   I have a Windfield on my VPI arm and it sounds great.  Some complain of VPI's unipivot arm....I attached their optional 2nd pivot.....happy.

bw700guy
3 posts
 

What is your price point? Have you looked at Project TT's?

sandrodg73 OP
112 posts
 

3 to 4 k.  I have looked at projects. They may be in the running.  Aural is selling a used avid in my range that looks killer. I'm like a kid in a candy shop....too many choices.  

realgoodsound
52 posts
 

Are you sure you want to go whole-hog on a turntable right off the bat? Might it not be better to start with something a bit less expensive (but still fine) to "get your feet wet?"

For instance, a UTurn Audio Theory with an Ortofon 2M Bronze for $1,239? Or a Technics SL-1500c for $1,299? There are many others in that price range.

Just a thought. You'll get at least 90% of the performance for 40% of the cost of a mid-line VPI or similar.

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