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$6-7k to Spend on Turntable

Hi All,

My old Oracle Mark II I have had for years has developed a serious problem with the motor. It plays very fast then slow and anywhere in between. I've decided not to fix it but get a new unit. The arm mounted on it is an SME IV, which I have been very pleased with.

I don't have time to demo a bunch of setups, I'd just like to move ahead on a replacement as soon as I can firm up a good replacement. A few ideas I have come up with within my price range:

- Verdier Platine and mount my old SME IV
- VPI TNT Mk 6 and figure out how to mount my old arm or spend some extra and get the JMW 12.5 if it is an improvement over the SME

Or is there something else out there that I should be considering? I don't tend to follow a lot of the reviews. I usually buy something then use it for years.

Other gear is AR SP-8 and VT-200 driving some Final 0.4s

Thanks,

Ken
iflyfisher
edle
235 posts
 
J C Verdier is the one that you should get...
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,845 posts
 
Dear Ken: Take a look to the TT's classifieds here in Audiogon. You can " see " a Transrotor Fat Boy on sale at good price. This is really a very good TT, too.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
gendut3
52 posts
 
The reason i didn't buy the Verdier is it doesn't have a threated clamp like VPI,SME,etc to flatten up a record wrapped.

80% of new records are wrapped !
cello
645 posts
 
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Ken,
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Teres tables are extremely easy to use. Just spin the platter (or push the start button on the motor) and you are off to the races. I have not been down once with my 340 in year's worth of use.
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A few more points to consider. Teres has a trade in/up policy where you can turn in your old table for a credit of 80 % of the price you paid and that credit can be applied to a new table from Teres. If you keep your original table, you have a life time guarantee and Teres there to do any repairs.
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Sonically, I have not done a comparison of the SME 20 and a Teres in my own system, but have heard favorable comments about the Teres over the SME 20 (but I can't provide and detail or corroboration).
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If you tend to hold on to a piece of equipment a long time, do try to have the patience to make the your best decision and hold out for the piece that makes the most sense. Two months goes faster than you think and it is not much time when you might keep a TT for ten years or more. I took about a year and half to decide on getting a Teres and considered the Platine Verdier and SME 20 that are great tables in their own right. I am thrilled that I ended up with the Teres and the trouble free experience that I have had along with incredible sonics.
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Rgds,
Larry
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fmpnd
481 posts
 
If you ARE looking for an SME 20, I just noticed an SME 20/2 for sale today for $7,950 with an SME IV.vi arm (which you could easily sell for over $1000 thus getting this in your price range). I am an SME 30 owner but have no idea what an SME 20 sounds like, particularly compared to the highly regarded Teres - I just thought I'd bring your attention to this ad. I actually think I have sold some amps to this guy.

Good luck in your hunt.
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