I use a Linn Basik/Akito (replaced the cable with a nice Mogami Jelco) rig and it’s so good I’m only considering replacing it because I don’t want to be there when it dies. I’ve concluded the following: Regas don’t allow for VTA adjustment, I understand why, but I refuse to use anything requiring shims. The lack of a dust cover also eliminates some models for me, as having to cough up the extra 350 bucks or so for a cover seems lame. I’m mildly interested in the new Pro-ject "The Classic" simply for its looks and perhaps design (more reviews will help me decide I suppose, although it has had some good press) as otherwise bouncy suspended tables can bounce…plus it’s around a grand with cartridge and all so there’s that.
Time to upgrade the old Dual turntable, looking for opinions.
I bought my Dual CS-522 turntable new back in 1980 and it's well past time to think about upgrading. This model was more or less at the bottom of Dual's range back then, but it fit the budget. One of its interesting quirks is that the platter was never totally flat (these were stamped platters, not cast ones) and even though I replaced it about 12 years ago years, it's improved but not perfect. Our vinyl collection, comprising well over 400 records, has remained largely idle for many years but it's still with us and really needs to be heard. So, I'm curious to get some opinions about what modern (or for that matter, vintage) TT's might be a significant upgrade. Hoping not to exceed $1500 for this, but can stretch a little in the right circumstances. (Finding a significant upgrade for my ClearAudio Micro Basic phono preamp is a separate project, but we'll get to that).