I NEED YOUR HELP with a turntable purchase


Hello Everyone,

I need your help with my first high end turntable purchase.
I will be purchasing in May.

I am looking for a really good turntable for my system. I am not sure which way to go. I checked out a Spiral Groove, and so far I really like that one, mainly for it's no nonsense approach and the ease of use. I have also heard about Basis, SME. SME seems to get really great reviews and their owners really seem to like them. I don't quite understand the significant upcharge to US customers though.

my budget is around $15-30k, hopefully including tonearm and cartridge. i could spend a bit more if necessary. i am NOT necessarily looking for the most expensive turntable, but I want the most bang for my bucks. The phone preamp will be Audio Research Phono Ref2.

the rest of my system consists of:
Preamp: Audio Research Anniversary Ref 40
Amps: Audio Research 610T
Speakers: Wilson Audio Maxx 3
Digital: dCS Scarlatti stack

I would appreciate and help you can give me.

thanks!!
jon_p

Showing 1 response by dover

Hi there,

I have a Final Audio Labs string drive with Naim Aro, also Garrard 301 & 401 and various arms including unipivot, air bearing and gimble. I would not recommend any of these and many of the suggestions above simply because I believe your main criteria should include ease of set up. My recommendation would be the SME combo because its performance is unquestioned, they have been around for years and will continue, and most importantly they are easy to set up. As you know from the gear you have, system synergy is a key for satisfaction in audio and the SME combo ensures this. The new 20/3 would be worth considering as it is the best bang for buck of the range and should allow plenty of change for cartridge experimentation.