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Can a $3K table be among the best out there?

I am on the market for a $3K turntable. I am going back to analog after a number of years so I know little of current market. So, I did some research and stumbled across the Townshend Rock 7 and WT Amadeus tables. I've read a lot about them.. The impression one gets after reading user comments or reviews (like TAS reviews for instance) is that it's hard to get a better table, period. In a world where you can easily spend $4K on a tonearm, I found these statements to be surprising to say the least. What's so special about these turntables, and can anyone comment on the notion that it's hard to beat their performance at any price?
ggavetti
manitunc
795 posts
 
there are a number of similar tables in that range, including the current Sota Sapphire and VPI Classic and Basis 2001 that give a large slice of what the highest end components can deliver. After that, it is sometimes just a matter of taste, or degree, with slight improvements in noise floor, articulation, detail etc. that last 10% of performance takes a considerable amount of dollars to attain, and even then, one man's treasure is another's garbage. I dont think many can complain about the performance of these tables in the 3k range.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Indeed a lot of turntable in the 3k-30k range sound similar, they are different from finish, but at the end of day, it is the way it is. Look for one which has a correct speed, that is a huge step forward today.
A well done 3k turntable can be indeed better than a shiny 30k unit. Or than black, heavy, multi-motor units(3x wrong does NOT give a correct speed) or wood Products for 16k ... That is High End today.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
the above mentioned Sota Sapphire and VPI Classic (which I own and love) are great in that price range. I would add the Clearaudio Performance with the CMB bearing. Great table as well, especially if put on a Gingko Audio isolation table.
dayglow
1,748 posts
 
Syntax-great point, correct speed and vibration control are essential. To many well designed decks forget about the power supply. A wallwart or inadequate ps on a $3k+ table is unacceptable!
spiritofmusic
828 posts
 
Check out the Trans Fi Audio Salvation direct rim drive tt with it's Terminator T3Pro air bearing linear tracking arm. £2400 UK price, $4000-$4500 US price. I have it, and believe it beats tt/arms over 5x the price. Most bang for buck in analogue, or audio generally, today. IMHO.
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