I am looking to take the next step in my analog journey. I currently am using a Fluance RT85 with ortofon 2m blue. I have a Rogue Audio cronus magnum iii. I am running them with Kef 104/2 's. Fluance seems to get alot of hate on here. I was considering a cartridge upgrade but I am hesitant to upgrade more then the cost of the table. I don't hear much background noise and like the sound. I guess I am wondering if I don't know I hear noise because I have not heard a turntable that eliminates that noise? When I went from my Onkyo to my Rogue Sphinx iii I realized I had been missing a whole lot of sound. Then I ditched my rebuilt EPI M150's and heard hidden instruments in tracks I have listened to for years. I am looking for that in a turntable upgrade. Apperance is important. I have interest in the following:
Clear Audio Concept Wood w/ maestro v2
Mofi fender precisiondeck w/ mastertracker
Stretching my budget is:
Dr. Feikert Volare no cartridge
Gold Note Pianosa no cartridge
These take me out of my budget once I get a cartridge
Any other reccomendations
I will miss the autostart function for those buzzed listening nights. I would like the 4k to include a cartridge. Any opinions are welcome. Anyone think I should say screw the "rules" and get an Ortofon black?
you have to break down the functions of a table and form becomes low on the priority list (although the G is not bad IMHO, certainly not a deal breaker).
1) Immunity from vibration -CHECK-. No wall mounts or aftermarket isolation devices needed)
2) Speed stability and accuracy. -CHECK- People underrate the effects of truly accurate speed accuracy and stability. The G's accuracy and stability give you peace of mind and a more energetic, dynamic sound.
3) Cartridge support and adjustment- CHECK- The G magnesium tonearm can support the best cartridges money can buy.
4) Reliability. - CHECK- Technics decks are bullet proof and last a lifetime.
5) Ergonomics. - CHECK- Operation controls, cartridge installation, cartridge and tonearm adjustments are simple and straightforward.
I appreciate all of the feedback. I realize that "best" is subjective to opinion. I will re-frame my question. Do any of these tables have red flags? Is one mechanically superior to the others? I am very attracted to the Mofi, but am I paying for the fender logo and it is actually an inferior turntable? I am looking for opinions so I can get my choices down to two tables to demo.
I think your safest bet is Clearaudio - as in no red flags. I like the Gold Note's killer looks. If you are looking for upgradability and reliability, Linn is a great brand too.
The Technics SL1200G is a surprisingly good performer for the money.
It is one of the most speed-stable turntables made at any price. Its also mechanically dead, something vital to any high performance turntable to be competitive.
Its main weakness is the platter pad which is rubber. The function of the platter pad is to absorb resonance in the vinyl which can talk back to the cartridge in real time. If you can turn down the volume all the way in your system and easily hear the cartridge as it tracks the LP, then you know you have a problem with the platter pad. It will be a lot harder to hear the cartridge tracking if the platter pad is doing its job. The best I've run into is made by Oracle which is about $300.00. To use it properly it has to be bonded to the platter (using its permanent sticky backing), which means the three mounting screws that fix the platter to the motor cannot be installed, but this will not affect performance.
The second weakness of the SL1200G is perhaps the tonearm, but it more than keeps up with many high end tonearms (IMO certainly better than any Rega)! Its also a good match for the Hana cartridges FWIW. Setup, of course, is everything! Because the arm is properly wired with the right interconnect cable it can be run balanced 😃
The strength of this machine is the various damping systems it uses. The plinth and its subchassis form a very rigid mount for the motor and arm, and resonate at different frequencies and thus rob energy from each other thru mechanical coupling (they are bolted together). Rigid and dead are paramount to any good plinth. In addition, the platter is damped and there are two additional damping systems that form the base of the machine. Its well thought out and not a revamp of the older SL1200s you can find on craigslist. Its a new design from the ground up.
I designed and built a turntable 25 years ago (Atma-Sphere model 208) and it has performed well against machines well above its pay grade. Its more expensive than the Technics but I think the Technics is a better machine.
It is possible to install an improved arm on the Technics. I have a Triplanar which should be mounted on mine soon.
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