New Turntable Advice

Good Morning

I's time for a change ! My current system is A VPI Prime with ADS speed control, on my second replacement cueing device, dual pivot added. With Ortofon Credenza Bronze MC cartridge, and Parasound JC3+ preamp.

What started search was just another let down with the VPI, cueing terrible, and the ADS couldn't bring the platter up to 45 RPM!!!

OK I'm heading in the direction of ~ $5000 table without arm or cartridge , Supa Trac Blackbird, and going to audition DS Audio W3. I was looking at a refurbished Nakamichi Dragon CT with album centering feature, but I think there maybe better technology from this vintage design.

So can you help with your advice on my next table, thanks Very Much

Bruno

badbruno09-06-2025 2:42pm

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elliottbnewcombjr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,825 posts 09-08-2025 at 03:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I read about the TG-125 MKII LB (Long Base), here is what it looks like with an SME 3012 arm ............................. Now this starts to appeal visually, and I always liked my SME 3009, I always want a dust cover however https://www.ebay.com/itm/116748217893?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=3d533958-8ccd-11f0-9b55-343763653635
elliottbnewcombjr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,825 posts 09-08-2025 at 04:13pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete A unique looking J. A. Mitchell Transrotor https://www.ebay.com/itm/297596581595?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=5e3bdfa2-8cce-11f0-83c4-393036313037 Not this variety, but I'll never forget the 1st time I saw one
billstevenson Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,217 posts 09-08-2025 at 04:23pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Hi Elliott, I sold one just like that to a customer in Seattle in 1972 or early 1973. He needed it because he had a bunch if !6" transcription records that he found somewhere. The arm did not set up quite as well as the more common 3009 although it was still better than just about anything else available at that time. It certainly out performed my own Rabco SL-8E. I eventually sold the Rabco and bought an 3009, which I should have stuck with. Audiophile nervosa combined with the impetuosity of youth unfortunately undermined good sense. I amended my error in 1986 by buying the similar VPI HW-19 MKIII that I am listening to as I compose this note. It has a 3009 Series II, which SME of Canada rebuilt last year. They did away with the removable headshell for me, which most people don’t like, but the SME arm performs better with a fixed headshell. I also have an SME Series III arm for the TT which was also rebuilt at the same time. The Series III was designed specifically for the Shure V15 cartridge, but is ideal for any high compliance stylus cartridge. Something I retain an interest in. I love these things. Thanks for sharing.
badbruno OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 72 posts 09-08-2025 at 05:03pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Elliott- thanks for scoping out my Sony : when I get back to it I'll look for Azumith adjust and I must agree it's not a looker. Would you look up the Nakamichi Dragon CT and give me your assessment?
pindac Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,996 posts 09-08-2025 at 06:40pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Belt Drive or Idler Drives in my experiences have an End Sound that can't be returned to where one remains contented after having been demo'd the TT's in use with a Standalone Dedicated Speed Controller. The issue is Standalone Speed Controller Models can easily head North of £1500. In context I can purchase 5 x JVDD TT's for the cost of one Standalone Speed Controller and even a working but poorly model of DD will hold its own in Speed Control against a Standalone Speed Controller costing approx' 5 x the DD TT's cost. Additionally there are Speed Controllers that can be used with both Belt Drive Motors and Idler Drive Motors. Improved VFM can be had from a certain design of Standalone Speed Controller if a Belt Drive Standalone Motor is used with an ID TT that has a flat finish side wall to a Platter. A Belt can be added and a ID TT can become a BD TT, where both drives have a very accurate Speed Control. I have also witnessed a DD TT, with a Platter Coupled to another Platter using a Belt. Was the DD's Speed Accurcy transferred to the Coupled TT? It does seem like a VFM method to get another Platter rotating to a point where Speed Accuracy is quite attractive. If the OP really wants to experience a very satisfactory JVDD TT, the Aurex SR 520 will give them great initial experience for a very small outlay. This TT has a huge hunk of Copper for the Stator and has substantial material used for the Stator Bowl and Bearing Housing. There are much much more expensive Brands Model of similar vintage that are a design failure in the Stator Interface and are not offering and rigidity when torque is applied. When the Stator Bowl has flexion from torque energies being transferred, does one think a 0.2mm pressing tolerance is a concern 🤔😂, stop kidding oneself. Another thing of interest is that the Aurex Spindle Interface with Bushes is extremely accurate, zero play can be detected. A few modern materials brought in to be used with the Aurex and there is a substantial DD TT being put to use, leaving the Offer Topped Up. I own a Quad of these TT's all imported and all arrived over a period of time, inclusive of Taxes, for not much more than £600, all in. One of these will be offered with an SME IV to my Wife, for her SS systemwhen the home is renovated. I would not sell her short in any way she has a great ear and owns more than half the Album Collection.