Who will survive? One last table til I die.


I want to buy a final turntable (call it 25 years worth of use until I can't hear or don't care). I want to be able to get parts and have it repaired for the next quarter century. I would also like the sound quality to be near the top or upgradable to near the top for that time period. I don't necessarily require that the manufacturer be solvent that long (the preferable situation), but otherwise the parts would have to be readily available and the design such that competent independent repair shops be able to fix it. I won't spend more than $10,000 and prefer (but don't require) an easy set up that doesn't need constant tweaking. I'm willing to pay for the proper stand and isolation needed over and above the initial cost.

I've got 9,000 LPs, and it doesn't make sense to start over replacing them with CD/SACDs (although I have decent digital equipment) even if I could find and afford replacements. Presently I have a CAT SL-1 III preamp and JL-2 amp, Wilson speakers, Sota Cosmos table, SME IV arm, and Koetsu/Lyra Clavis/AQ7000nsx cartridges.

Thanks in advance for your input. Steve
suttlaw

Showing 2 responses by stevecham

Dougdeacon: This quote from their website on "features"...

"Built-in Analog Noise Blanker
These circuits help reduce pops and clicks in real time, as you listen. This feature may be easily turned off with the front panel buttons by users that are restoring old recordings. Pops and clicks are then removed with editing software after the transfer to digital"

Digital ain't analog last time I checked.
The laser table COMPLETELY DEFEATS the purpose of why we enjoy vinyl as an analog source in the first place. This is just another A/D/A converting unit. And for $20,000 the choices for a complete top notch analog setup are great. Contact between a properly aligned and maintained stylus and vinyl surface does not cause appreciable wear. I have records from the late 60's when I was a kid played on real funky equipment that, once cleaned and played on a moderately nice system, sound excellent still.

My choices for purposes of longevity and sonics
VPI
Linn
SME