advice for best reliable turntable


I recently became a convert to vinyl after comparing the sound of several mid-range vinyl setups against SOTA digital. I'm pretty much a newbie to vinyl, and will be using the equipment in China, i.e. it will be difficult to ship units in-and-out of the country. I have narrowed my choices to the following:

1) High-end commercial models in 10k range: Avid Acutus, Nottingham Dais, La Luce Centoventi, Basis 2800, SME model 20/2a
2) High-end, high-value models derived from the Teres project: Teres 300 series, Redpoint Testa Rossa XS, Galibier Quattro Supreme
3) Local model produced in China: Consonance

The Consonance is made in the same city I live in China, and the Nottingham, Basis, and SME brands all have a China distributor.

I think reliability and ease of repair are my main concerns, unless I have to sacrifice a significant amount of sound quality.

I like tubes, and generally prefer a fuller, lusher sound over a more analytical, dry sound (though musical detail is very important to me). I listen mostly to pop, jazz, world music, vocal and percussive music.

It is difficult to find threads where people have made direct comparisons between two or more turntables in my list. I hope to get a better idea of the 'sonic signature' of the above players without necessarily getting the chance to hear all of them, and also what technical upkeep worries I may need to worry about. I intend to get the best tonearm/cartridge combination possible irrespective of price.

The dealer for the SME, Basis and Nottingham TTs said the Nottingham had a warmer, lusher, less detailed sound, the Basis was more detailed, analytical and dynamic, while the SME is in-between.

Has anyone heard the Consonance turntable?

I'm currently leaning toward either the Nottingham or Consonance, if they are comparable in performance to the other players in my list, since they have China dealers. They are relatively lower-priced and possibly less detailed, then I would consider getting a laser-based TT in a couple years once (if) they prove successful and come down in price.
no_slouch

Showing 1 response by pontus

Hello:
I have owned Teres tables starting with the 245. I then upgraded the plater to the 255. I now own the 320 with a Shroder DPS arm. I have owned several very good quality tables and have had great service from most of them. I recomend the Teres as it is by far the best sounding most user friendly and highest value for the dollar table I ever used.
I know you will not be able to match a Teres dollar for dollar.
I can also tell you that my Teres is almost always on and has not given me any trouble. If you look on the Teres web site, you will get a clear picture of the quality of the parts used. My opinion....

Good Luck.
Gus