Try a different turntable?


Ever since getting into audio, I've owned a VPI turntable (HW19 upgraded with heavier platter, SAMA, JMW arm). It sounds good, without question. But I've been curious about other TTs that (folks say) come from a different design philosophy--Linn and Rega are often mentioned in this connection.

For the next two years, I am in the fortunate position of having two stereo systems; then I will retire and consolidate into one house and one system. I've set up my second system except for vinyl. What 'table/arm combos would folks recommend as an alternative to the VPI (at about the same price)? Ideally also it would be a tad smaller than the big VPIs since I have less space in the retirement home.

I listen to a little of everything, but like acoustic music (classical, folk, jazz) best, and am looking for a setup that will really connect with the music.

Thanks for suggestions!
magister
There is no argument that LP12/Ittok LVII betters a stock Lenco with it's low quality tone arm & it's feathery light plinth.
Sorry, I thought we were both inteligent people.
I'm not the casual player of your early years, neither I delude my self when I find that I took the wrong way.
Your findings over the last 30 years makes you the boss of the thread.
The progress is possible only through research by the next Guru that he has no fear of the boss.
I should consider my self stupid when I felt that I have something to offer to this community.
Next time I'll ask for your permission first.
Geoch ,

Boss of the thread ? I think you got my post wrong, no offense was intended.. my comment were not directed at anyone per se , just in general.

My apologies ..

regard,
Lewm, I think you may be mistaking me for someone else with your first comment directed at me, however I do still appreciate your job offer.
Although I do believe DDs came a long way with control of speed, it is not all that diffult a concept to understand why a belt drive in general is less immune to 'cogging' than a direct drive. Left uncontrolled, a direct drive would pass from pole-to-pole in a 24 pole motor approximately once every two seconds. with a roughly 38 inch perimeter circumference that would equal about every inch as well, and should be quite obvious to someone whose powers of observation allow them to visibly detect stylus drag on a 22kg platter. The belt drive motor spins at up to 600 rpm in some cases with a circumference of the spinning shaft of less than a cm in most cases. The perception of cogging is now in milliseconds and then it is insulated by the belt. That would be the main difference.

TTWeights is a CNC machine shop in Ontario, who about 2-3 years ago started making weight clamps for turntables, perhaps as a bolster in the downturn of the auto industry. Im guessing the owner is an audio enthusiast who picked up on the current trends, who knows if he has the knowledge to design a really good turntable. He has gone very rapidly from machining record weights to purporting to be a designer of high end turntables.

'Stylus drag' seems to be the principal theoretical benefit of rim drive designs. Personally I think it's hooey. If it was constant it would not be perceivable and to suggest a minute change in a track would alter the speed of a turning 22 kg massive platter is frankly not believable.

I'm certain I will enjoy the KAB if I do pick one up for a try. I might even take up scratchin'.
Mickeyf,
I'm not lying to you or anyone by saying I can hear the pitch change on my 24kg platter.
The stylus drag could never be costant. It depends by the level, the freq, & the whole activity that's in the LP groove at the moment.

Weseixas,
No no no my friend, you doesn't miss your target !
I shout loudly my preference for IDLER DRIVE, PASSIVE LINE PRE, DHT SET, FULL RANGE SPEAKERS.
Do you think that we all must follow your own findings ?
Or that this or any other forum is available only to those that are politicaly correct with the flock ?
Should I have any reason to affraid to express my own findings ?
OK, enough with this. It's not a dominance game between us or our findings, but I think anyone has the wright to speak out fearless even if it is in contrary to the flocks.
I think we have to be honest to our self & express our findings freely, otherwise what's the point of our post ?
Anyway, peace to you and your system.

George

Geoch: "DO NOT mention the F***ing LP12. It is the master of this disaster that we pay for all these years of blindness & manipulation."

BRAVO!!

____
Mickeyf, I apologize if I sounded a bit harsh. However, we can move on. I am well aware of the theoretical issues you bring up. That's why listening and forming one's own opinion based on actual observation is so important. Between the cogging at a higher rate and the disadvantages of the belt itself (stretching, creeping, slippage), some others would make an argument based on "theory" that the belt drive technology is also inherently flawed. All I and others are saying in response to your assertions is have a listen to one of these other types of tables. I know too many dyed in the wool audiophiles (other than me) who have ditched their high end belt-drive tables in favor of an idler or a direct-drive to be convinced by your hypothetical arguments.
Again geoch , there must be a comprehension issue, i never asked you to follow , i ask you to cut the condecension, not everyone is going to buy into the ID euphoria and there is nothing wrong if they dont.

I'm sorry man, it must be my bad English (actually Greeklish!)
Thank you & my apologies for my bad attitude.

OK. Lets crank some Jimi now : "Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)"

George
Thanks everyone for all the replies. I have decided to go with a refurbished Sota Star. I've ordered it and am now looking for a tonearm and cartridge. I don't want to spend huge amounts on an arm right now (I can upgrade later if I decide to keep the table for the long term).

I've been looking at the Origin Live Encounter. If anyone has used this arm with a Sota, I'd appreciate comments; or other suggestions below $2000.

David
There is a review in the current TAS of a SOTA table and the Origin Live Encounter and OL1 if that helps. I have the Encounter arm, but on an Origin Live table and my analog rig makes me love the time listening to vinyl.
Magister, as posted in the Kleos Sibilance thread, I too have ordered a Star refurb. I am having them put an SME 309 on it. A bit above your price limit unless you can talk Donna into it. The SME's work well on the Sota's and have a long history the Origins can't claim.

BTW, Donna said the series III motor is not as stable so you may want to spring for the series V if you didn't. Since you have been using a SAMA and I have the 300RPM Aries motor that comes with the Scoutmaster, we are good candidates for a better motor on the Star.

Please let us know what you are considering cartridge wise. The Delos would be a good choice if you do not want to spend for the Kleos.

Have a good whatever,
Robert