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

As a complete curve ball proposal, the following will fit the proposal quite fittingly.

There will not be too many who disagree with the Purchase Values of the Items in the Links.

There will also not be too many who disagree with the use of such Items as a TT > TA > Cartridge > Plinth. In my view at such asking prices, it is a great starting place, which if all goes well as a used item sale, will be one that is most likely to appreciate in value.

There is always a risk to buying Vintage and Imported, but many many have done this and there are those that remain doing it as well. I myself have numerous purchases made from the site in the Links with only a couple not working out exactly as planned.  

Add $300ish as the additional costs for a combined shipping and Import Tax.

The First Link gets a TT > TA > Cartridge > Plinth with the TT's Electronics having been refurbished and the claim made the function is proven. 

The TT as a lone item has the evidence shown it is working at both 33 and 45 rpm.

The Tonearm as a lone item has a massive following for its qualities.

The Plinth as a Lone Item is a Mass Design, it will be one that can be contentious as there is the endless debate about a Material and Structure used for a Plinth, especially Mass vs Light Weight. On the same sales site, there are Wood Structure Plinths as well, these could be veneered to create a aesthetic that has extra appeal and fits in better with a rooms decor.    

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/p1073298992/

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/l1155224548/

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/1156118058/

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/h1156210363/

The following is not my recommendation as a Cart', it is a pointer to what can be achieved as a Purchase. Of this actual Cart' is supplied and capable of 400 hours of good replays? This outcome would be close to $00.50c a replay, which is a Bargain. If the Cart' proves to be very attractive in use, it is one that can be retipped to offer another 1000ish Hours at approx' $00.50c per replay, the attraction is being maintained and the Bargain of usage cost is extended for the longer term.   

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/w1156131679/

As in all Used Item Sale Purchases CAVEAT EMPTOR is ones best friend.

VPI makes a fine TT & I have used mine for decades. I have implemented multiple tweeks with the assistance of George Merrill.  Link : https://www.hifigem.com/polytable/

His Super Polytable would be on my short list if I were just starting out with vinyl or wishing to upgrade. Check out the link and all of his offerings.  Most highly recommended. 

It's all about the sound!

Wasn't quite finished..I have 2 tonearms and the super polytable would be terrific.  

Best of luck

You care too much about how it looks. Why are you getting into vinyl if you don't have a large record collection (this coming from a 90% vinyl guy)? If you are putting the TT into a spot where it is subject to excessive vibration, plan for spending $$$ to address that, unless you don't intend to listen to it (which it sounds like is the case).

It's in a living room and needs to be wife approved. So yes. Looks matter. Looks matter in all of this hobby. Don't kid yourself.  Someone else had the same ridiculous notion of why one would buy a record player without records. That's ridiculous and dumb as hell.  Why would one have records without a player???   BTW genius, I do have an extensive classical LP collection that was my dad's.  Vibration isn't an issue.  It's been checked. 

Thanks