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LP12 vs Classic III vs. ?? vs.??

I currently have an LP12 with Ekos,Cirkus,Trampoline and Lingo. Also using a Kleos with a Linto. But have developed an itch to trade into a different table. I have some considerations that I would like to narrow down to just one or two. The tables on my short list are:
VPI Classic II
ClearAudio Ovation
Rega P9
Avid Volvere
and if anyone feels they have one to add to my confusion, please chime in. I have asked this question before, but the players onthe field have changed considerably.
My goal it to find a table that will give me some improvement in sound quality, although my LP12 is no slouch. But as you all know there is only one cure for this "itch" to change. So my question is: who has heard booth the LP12 comparabley equipped and also one or two of these tables. What did you like, what didn't you like, what advances or negatives can I expect.
The problem I find in shopping is that even if a dealer has the table you would like to try, without having the same cartridge and supporting equipment, it's still pretty much a blind test.
In case anyone asks my reasons for trading are that I really just want to try a non-suspended table. I may kick myself later, but you never know till you try.
128x128theo

Showing 2 responses by macster

macster
64 posts
 
I have the Classic 1 with the 300 Rpm motor and the Shure M97XE regular stylus and the Jico SAS stylus/ To me the Classic 1 is the same as my LP12 with a bit better imaging, base and rhythm. To put the difference into $$ it's about a $500.00 (to me) upgrade. But again the upgrade path for the Classic 1-4 is a lot more affordable than the LP12 upgrades.

M~
macster
64 posts
 
I went from the LP12 with Ekos,Cirkus,Trampoline and Lingo II to a VPI Classic and absolutely love it, except for the hum problem. The PRAT to me is a TAD bit better with the Classic. When you add the Ring/Record Weight/SDS it's better still. The Classic images much better and has better depth. Now having said all that, it's basically a lateral move in the sense of the money that's spent. The main reason that I switched was that I was totally put off by the price of the Linn upgrades. The VPI is affordable for me, in that I can afford to purchase the latest and greatest upgrades. Now for the Linn I can't afford to purchase "all" of the latest and greatest upgrades. Again sonically the my VPI (300 RPM motor)Ring/Record Weight/SDS is better than my Linn was. But the sonic difference wasn't worth the money spent. However the " upgrade affordability" aspect makes it well worth the money. Finally, when you throw in ease of users setup and maintainability it's a no-brainer. Hope this helps.

M~
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