2. analog
  3. 1058745046

Who will survive? One last table til I die.

I want to buy a final turntable (call it 25 years worth of use until I can't hear or don't care). I want to be able to get parts and have it repaired for the next quarter century. I would also like the sound quality to be near the top or upgradable to near the top for that time period. I don't necessarily require that the manufacturer be solvent that long (the preferable situation), but otherwise the parts would have to be readily available and the design such that competent independent repair shops be able to fix it. I won't spend more than $10,000 and prefer (but don't require) an easy set up that doesn't need constant tweaking. I'm willing to pay for the proper stand and isolation needed over and above the initial cost.

I've got 9,000 LPs, and it doesn't make sense to start over replacing them with CD/SACDs (although I have decent digital equipment) even if I could find and afford replacements. Presently I have a CAT SL-1 III preamp and JL-2 amp, Wilson speakers, Sota Cosmos table, SME IV arm, and Koetsu/Lyra Clavis/AQ7000nsx cartridges.

Thanks in advance for your input. Steve
suttlaw

Showing 3 responses by herman

herman
2,212 posts
 
You have a fine analog system, and since Sota is still in business, why not contact them about about bringing your table up to current standards if it isn't already. Then purchase whatever parts they predict may wear out in the next 25 years (motor, bearings, ????) and purchase a few of those.

I think that would have to be a lot less than the $10,000 you have in your budget. That leaves you with plenty of money to play with some different arms and cartidges and buy some new vinyl.
herman
2,212 posts
 
Tbg, can you refer me to some nore info on H-Cat? I didn't see anything in the manufacturer section. When some frequencies are delayed and others aren't it is usually refered to as phase shift or group delay. Doppler shifts have to do with relative motion between the source of the sound and the ear. I've never heard it applied in this manner, but I would interested to read Roger Paul's explanation.
herman
2,212 posts
 
You know, I really don't care about the output impedance, damping factor, frequency response, or any of those other measurements you guys are talking about as long as they are within reason. I care how it sounds. It was proven back in the seventies when solid state amps were just beginning to catch on that you can make an amp with spectacular specifications that sounds like crap.

Arguing specifications is a waste of time. There are way to many variables to pin it down to a certain spec. It's like arguing if a Mercedes is better than a BMW.

So here's the bottom line. Of all the systems I've listened to, the ones that are the most enjoyable, especially on a long term basis use tube amps.

BTW, in case you were wondering, it is a Mercedes
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