What turntable next?


After getting back into vinyl a year ago and totally enjoying it I am looking to upgrade my current turntable. I bought a restored vintage Thorens 125 Mk2 with a brand new SME M2-9 arm and Rondo Ortofon MC cartridge. I know the Thorens is a very good setup but since I haven't listened to a lot of TT's I am looking for a significant step up in sound. I would be open to belt, idler and direct drives. New or used is fine. Budget $5000 - $10,000 (includes table & arm)
bobheinatz
I am a huge fan of my Townshend Rock 7, which I have paired with a Moerch DP-8 arm. Great stuff. Robert Greene's reviews capture the sound of these nicely.
I would buy a used Basis 2200 with Vector arm or a SME 10 or 20 with SME 5 arm in that price range. Any of those choices would be a big step up, with the Basis or SME 20 being very significant. Be sure to budget enough for a phono preamp suitable for these turntables. I assume you already have something high quality, but it is not mentioned I your post.

The SME will easily play at 78. Not sure about the Basis. It may require a different pulley.
Try Peter at PBN Audio they make quality turntables and you can select the arm of your choice. Best of Luck