Will VPI scout or Michell Tecnodec beat my emmlabs


Theoretical question. I have not had a turntable since my Technics SL1200 in the 1970's. I have only 3 new LP's, of alternative artists that I am currently into (bought for auditioning purposes only). Yet, I think I would like to add vinyl to my system: emmlabs CDSD; DCC2; Lamm M1.2 ref amps;Kharma Midi-Grands;Jena Symphony cables. (Perhaps, I am crazy ... given that I don't have a vinyl collection ... yet, a lot of the indie/alternative stuff is available locally or on internet in vinyl ... sometimes recordings are only available as vinyl !!! ... plus, I am tired of worrying about copy control discs that can be a problem ... So, I would like to consider adding vinyl if it can get me past what I have now with digital)

However, I don't want to spend more than 1000-1200 for a table and arm. (Obviously, I will also need a phonostage + cart ? budget ??). I can get a used VPI Scout (6 mo old with 300 rpm motor) for this budget vs. a JA Michell Tecnodec, as two possibilities. I am curious whether any of these tables can allow me to get a significant slice of the benefits of vinyl, without spending a lot of money ? With a reasonable phonostage and cart (not too expensive though), would this surpass my emmlabs. Unfortunately, locally I don't have the ability to trial many tables. There are only 2 high-end dealers (one largely internet-based_, but most of the stuff would have to be bought outright, as demos are not readily available.

Finally, if anyone thought the VPI scout was a reasonable candidate, any suggestions for a decent phonostage and cart that would be appropriate for my associated equipment and allow me to get the most out of that table ? Again, I apologize but I don't have anywhere local to try these things out right now.
thom_y

Showing 1 response by springbok10

I have an EMM set-up like yours and Kharma 3.2 speakers - so maybe we have that in common - driven by Atmasphere preamp (MP-1) and amp (MA 2) and had the same question as you a year ago - ended up with a vinyl system, that unfortunately costs more than your budget, but to my ears is in just another level of palpability, with so much more organic, real, live music than the EMM can produce. Just night and day. (Sota Cosmos V, OL Illustrious, Shelter 901, Ear 324). But then, I bought used: $250 Thorens 125 II, Shure V15vMXR, Wright WP 200 - all for less than $1K - for my office system and it has the same relative merit vs a $5K (now) APL 3910 digital deck that is probably as good as the EMM, which I still have at home - same result: despite costing 20% of the digital system, it is real, palpable and alive.........message: Vinyl reigns to my ears, even though the equipment does not even approach state of the art. I recommend you follow Afro 18's advice - you wont lose anything if you sell it if you either are disappointed or want to upgrade (which I bet my house you'll do:))

P.S. Rest of Office system: Jadis DA 88 Signature int amp, Merlin TSM-Mx speakers, Cardas GR i/cs and s/cs