2. analog
  3. 1439794926

Advice needed in Spain

I currently run a Rega P2/RB250 with Mitchell weight/Ortofon 520 II. This then goes through a complete NVA system (amps & cables) to Blueroom Minipods.
I want to upgrade the turntable but living in the south of Spain there is very little opportunity to do many comparative listening tests. I like my music quite neutral and clean but very detailed. I listen mainly to acoustic/James Taylor/Crusaders etc.

I've come up with a short list and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has direct experience of these TT's.

1. Clearaudio Concept wood/Clearaudio MC
2. Nottingham Analogue Studios Interstate junior/ G1042
3. Well Tempered Simplex/G1042
4. VPI Scout

I don't want to go down the route of either buying second hand or of tweaking various bits one at a time. I have a budget of €2,800 ($3,100)and have the wife's permission to spend it!!!

Any advice will be greatly received.
rob-in-spain

Showing 3 responses by rob-in-spain

rob-in-spain OP
6 posts
 
Hi photon46

Thanks for the advice. By avoiding tweaking various bits I mean getting back to what I was doing 20 years ago. That was buying something then not being satisfied with it so I'd buy a different turntable mat. Wasn't sure about that so I'd buy a set of rubber feet. Then a friend said put the mat back but change the stylus. Better, so I changed the balance weight on the arm and put on a Mitchell Engineering weight, etc. etc.
In the end it sounded OK but I had no Idea what bit was having what effect.
I've found a shop in Berlin, Germany where I can listen to whatever I want and he will guarantee to set it up in the shop with me and ship it to Spain ready to go.
I'm not fixed on the G1042 it's just that most people I've spoken to are pretty sure it will do the job for me but I'm very open minded about the cartridge.
I am however pretty much swaying towards the Nottingham Analogue deck.

So if anyone has/had a Nottingham deck especially the Interstate junior I'd love to hear from you.
rob-in-spain OP
6 posts
 
Just to expand on my last post.........

I'm thinking of going with the Nottingham Analogue Interstate Junior with the Nottingham tone arm.
I've been given the option of numerous cartridges but I don't know a( what their sound signature is like and b)How will they work in the Nottingham if I like the sound clean and detailed?

If anyone has opinions on any of these please feel free to share. Thanks very much by the ay the advice is helpful.
So, in no particular order my options are

Benz Micro MC-Gold
Dynavector 10x5
Ortofon Quintet Blue
Clearaudio Concept MC
Clearaudio Performer v2
Denon DL 103R
Grado Reference Platinum 1
Grado Statement Sonata 1
Ortofon 2M Black
Transrotor Cantare
Sumiko Blue Point EVO III
rob-in-spain OP
6 posts
 
Photon46,

It's funny that you mention the phono preamp. I currently use a Pro-ject Phono SE II to run the Ortofon 520. I know its capable of running MC but I'm not sure how well. Originally I had planned to just go with a Clear audio MM and then upgrade the power supply. However, the more I've thought about the cartridge choice (after more research and these threads)
I thought it might be better to get the right cartridge and forgo the power supply in lieu of a better phono amp. I don't have the budget to go crazy but I thought maybe a €400 Cartridge with an upgrade to a Graham Slee preamp. However, I'm not sure which would give me the better option.

See what you've made me do, I'm talking tweaking again.....
More to discover