Looks like you are getting an RP-10. Unfortunate that you do not find the 1200 G attractive.
I could care less about the looks. I do not need the adjustable speed and all the strobes and flashing lights. The cover with its little dome is hard to clean and looks ridiculous. The whole thing screams '80s disco (I hate disco).
The 1200 G is the best turntable on the market in its price range.
End Game Turntable suggestions
Hello all, looking for insights to help me narrow down to some core choices; I am open to new or preowned. My system details can be seen under my profile.
In summary I have significantly expanded my vinyl collection and as of now I am looking to purchase an end game turntable appropriate for my setup. As you can see I use Mola Mola Kaluga Monos, and I really like the Zesto Pre and Phonostages. I find the class D/tube pre combination very pleasing.
I would appreciate suggestions for around $5-8K (table + arm), new or used. I will have separate budget for cartridge. One preferred option (but not must-have) is universal voltage, as I may move the unit to Europe later. My current vintage turntable (Project Perspective) is 22 years old, and while I don't know how to compare to something really amazing, I can say that my setup is lacking detail and bass. The tonearm is terrible to keep aligned. Based on visits to Axpona and Cap Audio Fest and other research, I am thinking of a few in my budget, but will really value your suggestions of other brands:
- Origin Live Sovereign
- VPI Signature
- SAM Sinner
- Thorens TD 1601 (semi automatic)
Visual appeal is important to me (which is why Technics 1200 is not on my list despite great reviews everywhere). I love the idea of set it and forget it DD tables, but unfortunately mostly out of my budget (eg VPI HW-40 going for abt 11K used)....
Sorry for the long post but my hope is this background and help solicit good suggestions. Thanks
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boothroyd, Thanks for mentioning that Clearaudio use Panzerholz in their upper end plinths. I did not know that. But perhaps that is the exception that proves the rule; can you name any other high volume manufacturers that use Panzerholz or a like material? Please don't confuse my impression of scarcity for one of disapproval. I am quite sure that Panzerholz is an excellent choice for a build material, but I just don't think it is now or ever will be widely used by the mainstream. |
+1 @mijostyn - great post. OP - Even though you have stone floors, I would recommend getting the Rega P10 (or P8 and get a great cartridge which is very close in quality at about 55% of the price) with a suspension externally since one is not built in. You can also get a wall shelf. I have a P8 and put it on a Townshend platform and then on top of a wall shelf. Minimizing vibrations to the maximum extent I can. Platform improved the sound dramatically and the shelf got rid of any foot falls, and I have a suspended floor over a crawl space, so that is critical. Maybe just the suspension will maximize it for you with the stone floors. If you truly want set it and forget and simplicity of purchase, Rega is the way to go (or if you want to splurge, you can get an SME, but get a IV or V arm). I like an integrated arm/table design. Also there is a unique clamp you can get for the Rega that accommodates the extremely short spindle. I use it on warped records for the maximum impact. It is by a company that also makes the mat I use that minimizes vibration further as the record only is in contact with the mat for a couple square mms. Hexmat eclipse mat and Molekula clamp made in Hungary, but delivery was a snap in the states. Both are a little pricey, but worth it to me. |
@musicmatters1206 it's not an advice, just my observation: high-end audio is ugly. Very ugly (subjective/opinion, of course) There are very few exceptions. I thought this 20 years ago when I saw my brother's super expensive British gear and then again every time I visit a dealer. I have seen so many turntables and amps that now I am used to them and think they are less ugly but it's a mystery to me why. I think it's how it evolved, partly cost, partly arrogance. It's kind of like programmer's design of a UI, functional but ugly 9 out of 10 times. Speakers are less ugly, some are beautiful. I love and own Rega but they are pretty hideous too. My favorite TTs in the looks department are from Clearaudio |
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