Looking to buy used (figured I would get more for the money). P9 prob out of the budget. Looks like a used Scout, P5, Tecnodec, Horizon SE. Something keeps drawing me to the Tecnodec, maybe find a demo for sale? Has anyone heard this table? Comparisons? Like the idea of a Rega arm with adjustable VTA.
Turntable Swamp. . .what to buy?
So, I have gotten overwhelmed with trying to decide on which turntable I want. I currently have an 1980's AR "The Turntable" with original AR arm and no mods. It has exposed me to the natural sound of analog. This is my only analog experience thus far. So, of course, I want to upgrade to something capable of more resolution. When I place new pressings on the AR I can tell I am missing something.
My current system consists of a Primaluna Prologue 2 w/onboard phono, Custom Eton 2-ways with 8inch midwoofers and tweets, Blue Jeans cables, and an AT 440mla cartridge.
The choices I have narrowed it down to are:
-Michell Tecnodec, love the look, users seem to be happy, but not a lot of info and difficult to find used so far.
-Nottingham Horizon, same as above.
-Rega P25 like the look, but pricey and a hassle to upgrade to the TTPSU that everyone seems to insist on as an upgrade.
-Rega P5 seems solid and liked but not so attractive.
-Rega RP6, dressed up P3-24, some say it sounds lean.
-VPI Scout, some grumbles about the tonearms, otherwise a good performer, kind of ugly.
-VPI Traveler, can get a used scout for the same cash and there seems to be confusion v1&2.
-Send my AR to VinylNirvana for an overhaul, price could approach or exceed the above tables.
So, I am all twisted up trying to decide which one to purchase? Your advice is appreciated.
My current system consists of a Primaluna Prologue 2 w/onboard phono, Custom Eton 2-ways with 8inch midwoofers and tweets, Blue Jeans cables, and an AT 440mla cartridge.
The choices I have narrowed it down to are:
-Michell Tecnodec, love the look, users seem to be happy, but not a lot of info and difficult to find used so far.
-Nottingham Horizon, same as above.
-Rega P25 like the look, but pricey and a hassle to upgrade to the TTPSU that everyone seems to insist on as an upgrade.
-Rega P5 seems solid and liked but not so attractive.
-Rega RP6, dressed up P3-24, some say it sounds lean.
-VPI Scout, some grumbles about the tonearms, otherwise a good performer, kind of ugly.
-VPI Traveler, can get a used scout for the same cash and there seems to be confusion v1&2.
-Send my AR to VinylNirvana for an overhaul, price could approach or exceed the above tables.
So, I am all twisted up trying to decide which one to purchase? Your advice is appreciated.
23 responses Add your response
Another vote for SOTA. I think you will find this article to be well worth reading. I have an early SOTA Sapphire, which is approaching its 30th birthday. It works as well as when it was new, without ever having required servicing. I have never felt the need to upgrade or replace it, although more recent models are reputedly significantly improved. It is built like the proverbial tank, looks beautiful in a classy way, and by all accounts the present owners are a pleasure to deal with. Regards, -- Al |
Tweaky I do not want. The only drawbacks to the VPI Scout is a few folks not happy with the arm quality and unipivot quirks along with some utilitarian looks. However, the build quality does look better than the rega tables (arms excluded). I am surprised no one has commented on the tecnodec or Horizon SE? You VPI guys are strong on Audiogon :) |
Hello I use a PrimaLuna Prologue 3. My turntable is a upgraded Rega p3/24 I have the groovetracer ref sub and acrylic platters and I use a Nagaoka MP200 cart. The sound is neutral to warm side. Very big soundstage and awesome at capturing the sound that's on the record. The only other table in my sights (and trust me I resist the urge all the time)would be a JA Mitchel GYRODECK SE with the custom RB250 arm.Now your talking a lot more $...in the $3to$5000.00 range. I'll keep my P3 for now :-) |
David I do remember the AR table. Hope you and Danny are doing well. I miss hanging out with you guys. Don't get back that way any more though as I live in Las Vegas these days. As for the VPI tables I am not much of a fan. Personal preference though in my comparisons with other tables like SOTA. They are well built and have good resale value so those are things to consider in your purchase. Here is a very nice table and arm set up: http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-scheu-cello-with-unipivot-cantus-tonearm-2013-04-30-analog-10017 If you recall I had the Scheu Premier back when I lived in the Magic City. These days I am a fan of vintage tables and have a refurbished Denon DP-3000. I think you would be surprised at how good a refurbished and upgraded AR table will sound. So I would still consider that option along with the SOTA. If you see Danny tell him I said hello. |
I bought a VPI Classic and it knocked my socks off! Then I added the rim weight and the improvement was obvious. After using that weight, I would not be satisfied with out it. Then I got a PS Audio Premiere Power Plant, and the turntable improved again. I think the PPP did the same thing VPI's own controller does, and I would not have expected to hear that step up so clearly. So, count me in the VPI camp. I have not owned something that gave me such pride of ownership from the audio world. |
Ellington Hifi (http://www.ellingtonhifi.com/) in Loxley, AL carries VPI, Rega, Clearaudio, and Pro-ject turntables. It's kind of a drive from Birmingham, but you could always enjoy a vacation/trip to Gulf Shores as part of your excursion. Not sure what they have in stock so definitely call first. |
The Vinyl Nirvana overhaul is not a bad idea. A friend here locally bought an AR table from Dave and it was an excellent table. I would also add SOTA to your list. They are under valued and you can go direct to SOTA and talk to them about some of their refurbished tables. Something like an older Star or Star Sapphire can be had for a very good price. They are quite stunning to look at too in those wood finishes. My old Nova Series V had a beautiful cherry finish and sounded great to boot. |
You can't go wrong with any of the TT's you are considering. That said, I say get a VPI Scout. The price is excellent for what you get and the upgrades are excellent as well. You should never need another TT. There's nothing wrong with the arm, either. You can get one from Music Direct. I've bought some stuff from them. You can get a good deal but don't count on good service. If you have to go mail order, Larry at Hollywood Sound in FL would be a better choice if you want good advice and help with setup. Also, I've been to his store. I'm pretty sure he has every TT on your list in stock ad on display. |
@djwilbourn, I'm having a RP6 setup this weekend and will be using a double sided suede leather mat instead of the thin sound factory wool one. Many say this is a great sounding combo. I was in possession of a V2 Traveler for 1 week. Didn't put a cart on the arm, but did power it up to make sure it was received ok and did not like the belt chatter on startup, but that is my opinion... |
I went from an old Thorens TD166mkII to a VPI Classic 1 and the improvement was staggering with regard to bass improvement and the blackness of the background also isolation from footfalls. I would expect the scout would elicit the same improvements. I would buy the VPI and not look back. Also vpi offers excellent customer support. They even e-mailed me on a Sunday when I had a question. Chuck |
Are you anywhere that you could audition any of these? If not I'd buy from a retailer that has a good return policy. Music Direct carries a number of the brands you mention. Chris at Music Direct would also be a good guy to discuss these options with. And for sub-$2000 tables I would add to your list: the Avid Ingenium and the Well Tempered Simplex. |
