What are your top 3 favorite turntable companies (manufacturer) and why?
I am interested in knowing which 3 turntable companies you like and why? Not interested in the Direct Drive vs Belt drive argument, just what is your experience with the company product and... support too. Something like this as an example-
Garrard- very solid and classic design that sounds great and built like a tank.
Well Tempered- Very good design and even better tonearm performance. Best model is ________
Technics- Very solid design and easy to adjust. Great idea with removeable headshell
Your thoughts and experience welcome
Showing 6 responses by dwette
I had a Linn LP12 from ca. 1987 until the 2000s. I stopped using it in the 90s because the suspension failed. Around 2010 my wife wanted us to start playing records again. I sold the crippled LP12 and bought a Rega, but wasn’t really happy with it. Then I bought a Clearaudio Ovation that was great. I upgraded to a Clearaudio Innovation in 2023, and I might upgrade that to a Clearaudio Master Innovation. So I don’t have 3 favorite turntable companies. Just one: Clearaudio. I wouldn’t want another Linn or Rega after owning Clearaudio for nearly 15 years. |
What parts have you needed for a Clearaudio? Just curious. In nearly 15 years of Clearaudio ownership (Ovation/Innovation/Universal) I've only needed belts, and some bearing oil my dealer provided free. As for upgrades, I got some pretty generous trade-in allowances on Clearaudio arms from Musical Surroundings in the past (Clarify -> Magnify -> Universal), the Clearaudio U.S. distributor. |
I have a German turntable and tonearms (Clearaudio), Japanese cartridges (Lyra x 2, Dynavector), American phono-stage (Boulder), British electronics (Naim Audio top-of-line Classic series), Danish speakers (Dynaudio) and British subs (REL). I know about PRaT and great midrange. My system has both. Brits are great at it (and you see I have Naim/REL) but they can't claim or dominate it on their own. |
@mulveling Thanks for answering about Clearaudio parts. I haven't ever needed to buy such parts (and I have my original boxes). When I ordered my Innovation I got an extra 30mm standard armboard for a 2nd Universal arm. That was $500. It seems steep, but with the Clearaudio higher end I guess ya just gotta pay to play. It seems no worse than what people pay for stuff on a Linn LP12 (like $10k+ for their new plinth). |
Plus, I've gotten great support over the years from Musical Surroundings. I am getting both my Universal 12" arms rewired. They have to go back to Germany for that, for est. 6-8 weeks. Musical Surroundings sent me one of their demo arms, first to try out with the rewire I'm getting, but also to loan me while mine are gone. I suppose it helps they know I am considering a Master upgrade, but I'm sure that doesn't happen often around the different brands. |
