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VPI MK III + Alphason Xenon or Thorens 160 + Opal?

Good day,

I am about to take my first leap into vinyl and have been offered a nice deal on a Thorens TD160, fully rebuilt, with an Alphason Opal and a Grado Prestige Silver for $350 CAD. Also available is a VPI MK III with an Alphason Xenon and a ClearAudio Auram Beta S. The price difference I believe is between 400-600 CAD (I can't recall exactly).

My intent is to eventually get something along the lines of a Gyrodec, Spacedeck or a VPI Scoutmaster. I am wondering what I should expect as differences between these two tables and how each would likely compare to the ones I hope to purchase?

At the moment I have the option of buying a Clearaudio Basic or sticking with the Little Rat and saving for the Ear 834P. I don't mind subpar sound now when I'm on my way to purchasing bigger and better in the near future. Opting for the LittleRat over the extra 600 bones for the Basic leaves me with money to grab the Ear. But...I am really wondering if I should just go with the Thorens setup, enjoy my intro to vinyl and save for the better table.

Money is an issue, but if the sound would be night and day better with the VPI kit then I would consider it.

Thank you for your input and time.
zanth

Showing 1 response by gregm

gregm
3,414 posts
 
Zanth -- the price differential is very high and I second the cheaper, Thorens, choice. Apart from the fun of tweaking the Thorens, you have money left over to buy a good alignment protractor with which you can set up the cartridge precicely and quickly -- including the overhang setting (Clearaudio makes one, there are others).

And, of course, you have money left over to buy music.
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