2. analog
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Nottingham vs. Wilson Benesch turntables?

I have assembled a great 2 channel system (Verity Parsifal Ovations, Luxman 509u integrated & D-06 cdp), and it is time to add analogue for vinyl 50's & 60's jazz, chamber music, solo piano etc. The 509u has a good phono stage, and so I need a TT, arm, and cart.

A couple of options available locally are the Nottingham Analogue Ace Spacedeck (or the similar Space 294)and their respective NA arms, the Wilson Benesch Full Circle (complete with arm and cart), the Avid Diva II (and Volvere), and Thorens.

The Nottingham and WB turntables have a certain appeal at a similar price, and I was wondering what you would advise for someone getting back into analogue?
toronto416
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
Strange. I found that using no mat at all and adjusting for VTA came in 2nd place behind the BA Mat. The foam cell mat was a distant third to my ears.

Shakey
inna
7,178 posts
 
I have to keep the table on the floor between speakers and for now use stock platform with Mapleshade rubber/cork feet. Not much of the external vibration, but I am sure this set-up can be improved. SRA must be very expensive and Neuance is no longer made. Anyone using maple or some other wood platform? Or Symposium platform?
As a sideline, I use Boston Audio tuneblocks under spiked speakers, integrated amp and cd player to excellent result.
toronto416 OP
192 posts
 
In terms of carts for the Space 294, some options available to me would be:

- Sumiko Blackbird
- Benz Micro Glider
- Ortofon M2 Black (which some have already advised against).

Any thoughts on the above choices (or others by the same manufacturers at similar or lower prices)?
inna
7,178 posts
 
I would choose Benz Glider, but that's me. It is not exactly that I advised against Ortofon, I just said a word of caution. Also, I am unfamiliar with Luxman's phono. In any case, give a cartridge at least 50 hours to break in.
lewm
12,563 posts
 
I owned a Glider for several years and later experience has taught me it was nothing special. I also owned the predecessor to the Sumiko Blackbird, the Blue Point Special... feh. In general, I have come to prefer MM or MI cartridges to high output MC cartridges like Sumiko and Glider. In the same price class, you might consider Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood. Though I have never heard it, it has received rave reviews on the MM thread. Plus, it will have a high output suitable for your phono stage. Also, I am a fan of Ortofon, though I have not heard the 2M Black; I bet it's good. Finally, do not ignore SoundSmith MI cartridges in that price range.
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