the way turntable recs and evals are made here
How many starter, mid level, giant killer, top of the line turntable recommendation threads have we seen recently in this forum? I know there have been quite a few starter ones lately in the $400 to $600 range. Some like the Regas, some like the Pro-jects (while others rip them apart - not sure why this is), some like vintage and the list goes on.
So, how many people have actually heard all of tables they recommend with the following eval process:
- the same lp being played
- the same cartridge correctly setup on all eval tables
- the same system downstream of the eval tables
- the same room
- the same / similar mood of the listener
I find it somewhat frustrating it is not only hard to demo turntables in the Seattle area (I can find only Rega, Pro-ject and VPI dealers plus maybe a Clearaudio dealer) but it pretty much impossible to demo cartridges because of the setup time it takes to change cartridges. I know my local analog shop has the same Ortofon cartridge on Rega and Pro-ject tables in the price range listed above, but that only goes so far. And would the same dealer that is a die hard analog tube guy also sell both the Rega and Pro-ject tables if Pro-jects were deemed crappy because of their setup, carbon arm, etc?
I also find it frustrating that local dealers selling VPI tables only have a Classic on their floor. I've been dying to hear a Traveler and maybe a Scout for comparison.
Yes, demoing in your own house is best but not always possible. Plus, shipping turntables can be riskier than other equipment plus expensive. Some will let you bring home demos but if they do not have the demo product in the first place you are out of luck.
What are your eval opportunities for your local analog / turntable dealers and what is your eval process?
So, how many people have actually heard all of tables they recommend with the following eval process:
- the same lp being played
- the same cartridge correctly setup on all eval tables
- the same system downstream of the eval tables
- the same room
- the same / similar mood of the listener
I find it somewhat frustrating it is not only hard to demo turntables in the Seattle area (I can find only Rega, Pro-ject and VPI dealers plus maybe a Clearaudio dealer) but it pretty much impossible to demo cartridges because of the setup time it takes to change cartridges. I know my local analog shop has the same Ortofon cartridge on Rega and Pro-ject tables in the price range listed above, but that only goes so far. And would the same dealer that is a die hard analog tube guy also sell both the Rega and Pro-ject tables if Pro-jects were deemed crappy because of their setup, carbon arm, etc?
I also find it frustrating that local dealers selling VPI tables only have a Classic on their floor. I've been dying to hear a Traveler and maybe a Scout for comparison.
Yes, demoing in your own house is best but not always possible. Plus, shipping turntables can be riskier than other equipment plus expensive. Some will let you bring home demos but if they do not have the demo product in the first place you are out of luck.
What are your eval opportunities for your local analog / turntable dealers and what is your eval process?