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Turntable/arm short list suggestions, please.

I am looking to fill the final (for now!)piece of my system puzzle. People here on Audiogon have been most helpful to me in the past and I turn to their experiences, again. I would like to find opinions regarding the "best" table and arm for a maximum of, say, $1400-$1700 USED. Will cross the cartridge bridge later. I have a list now that includes - VPI Hw19 MkIV, Rega P9, Basis 1400, Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck. Open to others....

Realize this one has been asked numerous times and with various combinations of components - here is mine:

*McCormack DNA-225 amp w/HT ProAc 11 power cord
*Sonic Frontiers Line 2 preamp w/Valvo tubes
*Lehmann Black Cube phono stage
*PSB Stratus Gold i speakers w/Cardas Cross biwire cables
*Planning to try a pair of Zu Oxyfuel interconnect pairs I picked up on the cheap for amp/pre; pre/phono connects

I mostly listen to mid-60's - late-70's rock (not metal, jazz, and female vocalists. Thnaks in advance for any and all input.
4yanx

Showing 1 response by audiopath

audiopath
92 posts
 
4yanx,
I recommend the SOTA Star or Star-Sapphire with vacuum and an Audioquest PT-6 or newer tonearm. The suspension system in the SOTA is second to none. They are upgrade-able. Sota is selling upgrades as well as refurb units and there are plenty of used ones available.
You could also consider the SME tonearms. I agree with Marakanetz on the Black Cube...don't cut corners on the phono stage. You should plan to invest a similar amount ($1400-$1700) on the phono stage. The Krell KPE ($1600 new) is your best choice if like to rock. It has bass and slam that are just unbelievable.
Best regards,
audiopath
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