1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 181591-138892

End Game Turntable suggestions

Hello all, looking for insights to help me narrow down to some core choices; I am open to new or preowned. My system details can be seen under my profile.

In summary I have significantly expanded my vinyl collection and as of now I am looking to purchase an end game turntable appropriate for my setup. As you can see I use Mola Mola Kaluga Monos, and I really like the Zesto Pre and Phonostages. I find the class D/tube pre combination very pleasing. 

I would appreciate suggestions for around $5-8K (table + arm), new or used. I will have separate budget for cartridge. One preferred option (but not must-have) is universal voltage, as I may move the unit to Europe later. My current vintage turntable (Project Perspective) is 22 years old, and while I don't know how to compare to something really amazing, I can say that my setup is lacking detail and bass. The tonearm is terrible to keep aligned. Based on visits to Axpona and Cap Audio Fest and other research, I am thinking of a few in my budget, but will really value your suggestions of other brands:

- Origin Live Sovereign

- VPI Signature

- SAM Sinner

- Thorens TD 1601 (semi automatic)

Visual appeal is important to me (which is why Technics 1200 is not on my list despite great reviews everywhere). I love the idea of set it and forget it DD tables, but unfortunately mostly out of my budget (eg VPI HW-40 going for abt 11K used)....

Sorry for the long post but my hope is this background and help solicit good suggestions. Thanks

 

musicmatters1206
au_lait
397 posts
 

SP10R new or SP10mK3 used (and dialed by JP Jones)

re-lar-kvothe's avatar
re-lar-kvothe
186 posts
 

I use a Thorens TD-1601 with an Ortofon Cadenza Blue running through a Hegel V-10. To me this sounds fantastic. The arm lifts and the unit shuts down after the album side is done. The other feature that is/was important to me is the easily adjustable tonearm height, VTA. I can run any cartridge and keep the appropriate verticle tracking. I had a Rega 8 and it was an excellent TT but I hated shimming it when swapping cartridges. I sold it and purchased the 1601 and never looked back.

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
6,193 posts
 

Another plus for the SME 6. Grab it while it’s on sale with this substantial price savings! 

 

paultimmerman
1 posts
 

Take a look at The Tien Audio TT3 or TT5

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,962 posts
 

By considering Vintage TT's and as already suggested, the Technics SP 10 Mk ii or Mk iii. There is a lot to be had in term of performance for the outlay, and there is plenty of support at hand for this Brand and especially these two Models in both the US and Europe.

My own Mk ii is with a Custom Paint Coating to the Chassis costing £200.

Finished in the Blackest of Blacks with a Multiple Coating of Lacquers, with a Polished Finish. If visual appeal is important there is not much more to be desired if black is one's preference.

There is no shortage of Plinth Designs available for this model, a Web Search will reveal the works being carried out.

I feel a SP10 Mk ii fully overhauled, with a New Applied Coating to the Chassis, 'if desired'. Mounted in a Bespoke Plinth will be achievable for not too far from half your budget if donor model is prudently sourced. I can advise on this via email if interested in where to search out a donor.

A SP10 Mkii or Mkiii are a very sought after TT, in both the US and Europe with again in both the US and Europe, excellent servicing facilitation seen on offer from a variety of sources.  Having the Power Supply concern resolved is a minimum concern if changing from 110V to 230V 60Hz.      

Well looked after Models hold their Value and are Investments that are appreciating in Value and sell quickly when the need may arise. As the TT is to be a Keeper, the selling on is not really a short-term concern.   

I have been careful/prudent and have a substantial appreciation in the value, when compared to what my Refurbed and Modified Mk ii cost.

For the record the SP10 Mkii, in a Refurbed / Modified condition is the Model that finished my regular usage of Overhauled / Modified Idler Drives.

Idler Drives finished my regular usage of Belt Drives many many years past.  

More to discover