Which NYC Dealers REALLY know how to setup a TT?


I live in Manhattan. I want to purchase a new turntable, arm and cartridge.
I'm willing to spend up to $5,000, maybe $6,000 tops for everything.
From long nights of reading MANY post online here and elsewhere I feel that even more important than a particular brand etc., the dealer must really know how to setup a turntable properly. I'am all thumbs when it comes to this stuff and have accidentally trashed my share of cartridges over the years!
Therefore it is very important to me that a dealer really knows how to setup a turntable, arm and cartridge properly so I can get the most out of what I pay for.
Can people who have actual experience with NYC dealers please steer me in the right direction? Thank you.
quaxtro
The most successful NY dealers are the same as the most successful anything in NY:

their first and foremost area of expertise is MAKING MONEY.

I would, therefore, think you are much better off buying whatever you want, and finding an audiophile to help you, or contacting the manufacturer.

What kind of a turntable do you have in mind?

I havent adjusted VTA in years, but never dropped a cartridge in my life and would be happy to help.
From what I understand there are just a few real good set up men (women?) for TT and arms in this area. Nick at Audio Connection in Verona NJ is quite good. However, if you are considering one of the cottage TT, I understand from Thom at Gilibier that he is in the process of securing a set-up person who will do this (obviously for his TT). This is a good reason I am leaning toward the Gilibier! Thom, any comments?
I was leaning towards a VPI Super Scoutmaster but nothing is firm. My cartridge choice is going to be on the budget side for now (I'm thinking a Sumiko Blackbird) and later on upgrading to a more high-end cartridge.
However I also find the Teres, Gilibier, Redpoint turntables very interesting too. The redpoint however is beyond my budget starting at $8,000.00 without arm.
Rwd you mentioned that Thom at Gilibier is in the process of securing a set-up person for his TT's.
Is he going to be located in NYC or will he be traveling?
That could be a very important part of my decision!
Hi Quaxtro,
My understanding is that he lives in NYC. Will he travel? Could be??? Thom??? are you there??
As I said, this is just from a discussion I had with Thom recently.
IN my experience the folks you want are not dealer employees, but independents. I'll find out if the guy who helped me is willing to allow me to disclose his name publicly. He did superb work on my recent reentry into 'the life' and is known as one of the best. And, yes, he is in NYC>
Whart that would be really good news if he is available!
If you can't publicly disclose his name would you be able to send me an email with his contact info?
Hello Quaxtro,

I second the recommendation on Nick at the Audio Connection. He really knows turntable setup. Owner John Rutan is also one of the best guys to do business with in the industry. I believe that they are a VPI dealer as well.

Take a ride over the bridge to Verona, NJ. Service after the sale is outstanding.
I third the recommendation for Nick at Audio Connection- Both he and John are great to deal with.
Since u asked 4 NYC, I'm not clear on why u are getting the responses u have received thus far. The master of TT set-ups in NYC is "Fred" at Ears Nova. Shop was formerly on Long Island. I have lost contact but he's a swell fellow. His boss is the "King" of hifi knowledge in my book.
Ben at New York audio Repair. He is located in Brooklyn. Number is 718-377-8010. Vast knowledgeable with all kinds of repairs and restorations. He recently rewired my Audio Note arm and did a great job.
Greetings,

I've arranged with a very talented Manhattan-based individual to dial in any rigs I sell in the NYC metro area.

I pay him handsomely for both his skills and travel time.

I'm not certain that his schedule permits him to expand beyond this scale of operation however.

I can ask him if anyone is interested however.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier
Lindisfarne - while I did ask for NYC the fact is that New Jersey is very accessible by bus or train so most people in the metro NYC area include it.

He is definitely worth a visit. I don't know what tables he has now and if they are in your range, but he is worth meeting before you make the rounds of other dealers or consider buying on line.

Constantly one of the best analog rooms in the Hilton HE shows if you have been to the shows. But then I like low watts and horns, the table just completes the picture.

I'd also put in a good word for Ben at New York Audio Repair. He excellent at working on gear, and I think that he has some exciting things going on in development.

Gregg
High Water Sound, Jeffrey Catalano,

(missed the first line in above post, sorry)

He is definitely worth a visit. I don't know what tables he has now and if they are in your range, but he is worth meeting before you make the rounds of other dealers or consider buying on line.

Constantly one of the best analog rooms in the Hilton HE shows if you have been to the shows. But then I like low watts and horns, the table just completes the picture.

I'd also put in a good word for Ben at New York Audio Repair. He excellent at working on gear, and I think that he has some exciting things going on in development.

Gregg
Go to Jeff at Highwater sound. He knows his stuff, has an amazing LP collection, and can set up a turntable beautifully. He has a number of turntable lines and I think he carries Roksan, which has turntables at multiple price points.
Dr. Nick of Audio connection is the man to see. Can work out anything you mess up on a tonearm and make magic out of it. Excellent service by John Rutan also.