You own VPI, Rega and Clearaudio and it appears didn't like them much. $5000 used, new or it depends? |
Yes, I owned them. The models were entry-level, or slightly better, and i didn't expect them to be their best representative. That said, I think I can move on for the money I'm putting down. I want a versatile table, something that's capable of changing as my tastes change until I'm ready to drop another 5 or 10k. I would like it to complement the equipment I already have, because they're not changing anytime soon, and is the reason why i bothered to describe them. Used, new? No, it doesn't matter. |
I just got a Transrotor Fat Bob. Im favorably impressed, and it will accept two tonearm mounts. Could be in your price range, especially used. There arent a lot of turntables that accept two arms. |
Two arms isn't a necessity, just a nicety, but thanks for the Transrotor suggestion, Manitunc--I'll look into it. I've found a couple of others in the Solid Machine Small and The Acoustic Signature; both, I believe are made by the same German manufacturer. Although both close in on my 5k budget, leaving not much for an arm, I can live without an arm for now--I have other tables-- and I'd rather have the solid foundation for a better arm some where down the near future road.
Gotta ask: is piece by piece a crazy method of acquiring a quality table? I mean, this table may sit a box for six months or more before I'm capable of purchasing a high quality arm to complement it. Anyone have a better method? |
its not crazy if you can get a good deal on what you want. |
If you are certain about your choice of table it is perfectly fine and reasonable. If. |
Get someone to build you a vintage turntable, like a Garrard 301 or a Lenco. You might be pleasantly surprised. Even if you detest it, you'll be able to move it quickly. As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. |
It is said only by those who won not lost. |
If is the position I'm in at the moment. Luckily I have time and patience on my side, so I'll drive to Miami--not a bad thing whatever the end result--and have a listen to several turntables this week. |
Im in Jupiter Florida, so if it on your way to Miami, you can give a listen to the Fat Bob |
TW ACUSTIC wonderful table can use extra arms sounds wonderful as well. |
Thanks, Manitunc, for the invitation, but I think that day's going to be a little too crowded for a visit. But i've read quite a bit on the Fat Bob and Transrotor; I'm really impressed by both. |
Cal,
I did a similar tour listening to top tables a couple years ago and auditioned several great tables in the 20,000 to 30,000 range and liked them all a lot but was blown away at how good a vintage Technics mkll sounded in a custom plinth at a fraction of the cost. I agree with Mosin. Try a vintage mkll, Lenco, Garrard....You can put them in whatever plinth you want(1-4 arms) and I bet you'll find nothing at any price that beats them. It's often a bit of a project but if you're not in a hurry it's about the best way to go IMO. |
For 5K you could get a Linn LP12, Ittok, Shelter 901 or maybe a 90X and have money left over and a fantastic sounding vinyl rig. In fact, you could probably have two LP12s, two Ittoks, a Shelter 901 and one other cartridge if you really need two tone arms. Probably better to have one setup and add an ARC PH5. |
I have no objection to a vintage turntable, but, unlike new units, they are hard to audition unless you have a friend or a friend-of-a-friend with that particular unit. Even new tables are difficult to audition; hence, my driving two hundred miles to do just that.
@Sonofjim: since you've been down this path recently, was there a "thing" about the Technics which made it a comparable if not a better choice? Or was it more cost verses benefit? |
I had a Technics SP-10mkII - it was very good to excellent. But I think if you could AB it with a Linn you might prefer the Linn which would be easier to find and service if you ever needed service. Often many good Linns to choose from on Agon. I hear you that an audition is preferred over advice. I'm sure there are some Linns somewhere near you that you could hear. You only need to get to the Cirkus level with an Ittok and a decent cartridge and you will experience what it's about. Good luck. |
Thanks, Hi hifi, for the information. Linn, I believe, is also in Miami |
Check out Hollywood Sound in Hollywood Florida if you are in that area. Larry usually has a decent sample of high end turntables and is a Nottingham dealer. |
