@musicmatters1206 IMHO...there is a tremendous amount of great info here. As far as the 1601 goes I am extremely happy. I agree with all of the wonderful design concepts from the point of what they contribute to the ultimate sound of the vinyl. However, I do not believe mechanical design can make a bad pressing/recording/mix sound significantly better. I believe the most important piece to the puzzle is the cartridge. With that said, would I hang a $10K cartridge from the 1601? Likely not. However, when the stylus on my Ortofon wears out I will certainly look to spending $3-$5K on one to use on it. Many don't think a $4K TT is worthy of a $4K cartridge. In the case of the 1601 I disagree. I believe isolation and proper set up will allow the 1601 to perform extremely well with any $200 to $5K cartridge installed. At least as well as the cartridge allows.
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
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Definitely listen to the Rega Planar 10 but with the top of the line Aphelion cartridge and not the Apheta which I found somewhat harsh and unforgiving of less than perfect recordings. When I tested the Planar 10 and Planar 8 I ended up going for the 8 with the Ania pro cartridge which has a spectacularly refined and "together" presentation. Since both turntables run from an outboard power source one assumes there should not be a problem changing voltages (but check this). |
Questions such as this inevitably result in a sea of recommendations and there’s no value in me just adding to the list. But here’s something important, imo:
I would not be so quick to overcome your bias here. I have found that there tends to be a difference in sound between high mass and lower mass designs, so it’s pretty natural to develop a preference for one over the other, depending on your taste. |
OK, what appeals to you visually? Still want to get DD, that's my choice, best if it is quartz locked if you do. here is a beauty, belt drive, I don't know anything about it, except Micro Seiki makes great quality stuff, often innovative
in a thread on Audiogon the L version allows long tonearms. Pick your own tonearm, with separate advice can be a good thing, and you may want to change to a different tonearm in the future. manual from vinyl engine file:///C:/Users/ellio/Downloads/ve_microseiki_bl111.pdf
see the last post there. |
"Many people raise concerns abt potential future problems if motor goes bad - any idea if VPI stocks these motors?" I wouldn't be concerned about future motor problems. Even in the event something goes wrong, VPI historically has been solid with product support-even with MW at the helm. My personal experiences have been positive. VPI's DD's have been out long enough to read about iffy motor or other problems. I haven't come across anything in mags/forums. |
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