Turntable Choices


Hi all, I'm looking to get a new (to me) turntable and these are my choices: Oracle Delphi MK2, VPI Traveler, VPI HW-19 MK3, and a Linn LP12. I'm leaning twords the Oracle but, what are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.
128x128zimmythegreek

Showing 4 responses by frogman

Interesting list of contenders. Have not heard the Traveler but be aware that the other three have very different sonic signatures (I have owned all three) which make proclamations of which is "better" irrelevant, IMO. If I HAD to rate them, I would rate them as just about equal overall? But, what kind of sound are you looking for? What will complement your system better? Fuller and warmer, or leaner with more clarity? Controlled or very energetic? And last, but certainly not least, what arm are you putting on it? Then, you can decide which is "better".
OK, so how do you like the sound of your system currently? Do you feel it's too warm or too bright? Do you have enough bass or too much? Does your current table (what is it, btw?) sound noticeable more rhythmic than your CD player, or not? It should, IMO. BTW, the MMT is not a bad arm, I would not be too eager to replace it unless you plan on spending a lot more than you are spending the table.
The HW19 will be warmer and fuller sounding than the Oracle which while not the least bit clinical sounding is leaner sounding and less weighty in the bass. The Linn, you already have an idea of how it sounds since your Ariston is actually the table that the original Linn was modeled after. A modern Linn will be a significant step up in refinement over the Ariston, but a lot of the basic traits remain; nice pace and timing and good midrange. My concern would be that if your system is already warm as you like it, the HW19 might be too much of a good thing. When I bought my first HW19, I compared it to the Oracle and chose the HW19 because my system at that time benefited from the warmth and fullness of the VPI while the Oracle, while having terrific clarity, sounded too lean in my system. But man did it look cool!