Bill, yours is the first data based report I have ever seen on the performance of tonearms with removable headshells vs those that don’t provide that feature. In interpreting such data one must be cognizant of other differences between any two tonearms that might affect the measurement and also the comparison ought to be done with the very same cartridge mounted on each tonearm when measurement was made. Can you comment? The only difference I’ve ever felt confident about, and it’s wholly subjective, is that with very low output cartridges, fixed headshell with continuous wiring back to the phono stage seems best.
What turntable in the $2500 range?
I am so confused and I hope I can get some clarity and good advice in picking my next turntable.
At this time I can afford (wife decided budget...) to spend up to $2.5K.
I am using a Parasound ZC ZPhonoXRM (MM/MC) phono preamp, Parasound A51 biamping B&W 802 Nautilus.
On the new market I am lookng at Rega 6 (Ania MC), MoFi Ultradeck (MC?), Music Hall mmf 7.3
I am listening to almost evrything but I want to start focusing on Jazz, Blues, Irish music, Southern rock (Lynyrd Skynrd, Creedance Clearwater Revival) and some classical as well.
My focus is on soundstage, vocals and details with a warm sound.
Please let me know your thoughts on my choices and feel free to suggest anything else you think it could work, even if it is used.
One more question: why all the above turntable do not allow removable shells? I would like to experiment and try different cartridges like I was doing when I was a teenager...
Thank you for reading the post.
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Choosing a TT with removing head shell will reduce the options but it is a matter of personal choice. A used Technics as others suggest may be the best option if you go that route. As for the other options you mention, Rega is a nice plug and play option, but from personal experience , will not give you the warmth you are looking for. |
@joby15200 I know someone with a nearly new 1300G that they would sell for your price, if interested. Probably a few months old, less than 50 hours on it. Its a $4k table, a bargain at your price.
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When I was upgrading about 11 years ago I went used with a VPI Aries Scout that’s still going strong. If you’re not bothered with the non removable head shell Vpi makes great tt. I would use the money saved on a used table to buy a better cartridge. Again there’s lots of great gently used items to select from. |
@facten - you are correct; I thought it was lower in price compared to the 1200G; they are not far apart. |
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