You will receive a plethora of turntable recommendations but of the 3 you have mentioned the MoFi UltraDeck would be an easy decision. Don't rule out the Master Deck when thinking of a long-term investment. Consider upgrading to a tube phono stage with cartridges from Denon/Grado/Goldring and Nagaoka. If considering a MC the Shelter 501 III will add warmth with details and subtle nuances at a very reasonable cost.
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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- 63 posts total
I prefer DD I had the Audio Technica AT120 for years in between my Thorens TD-124 and my current JVC setup. I recommend it as a budget start TT, get a better cartridge; prove you will stick with Vinyl, and the next logical step up is a Technics that fits the budget. OP might get lucky with a used SL-1300G from a member here, I found the SL-1500. In any case, I never liked the look of them, and occasionally post info about wood surrounds that I would add IF I chose one. This one is solid Walnut, costs $790., a good bit more than others, what I noticed is the list of Models it fits. Of course that would need to be confirmed if buying from a different maker, but here’s the link and list of models they say it fits We’ve confirmed these custom plinths will fit these models: Dimensions: 19.5 wide x15.5 deep |
@joby15200 If you're willing to consider used, an '80s SOTA Star Sapphire with an Eminent Technology ET-2 tonearm might be in your price range, if you can find this combo. The ET-2 has a removeable arm. However, it is finicky to set the tracking force if you expect to switch cartridges often. I wouldn't recommend that arm for someone who frequently switches cartridges. There might be other arms that would be better for that situation. The SOTA has a vacuum hold-down platter that will flatten minor LP warps. I've had mine for about 35 years, and it's had no problems. Was a Class A turntable in the Stereophile Recommended Components. I seriously doubt that any new TT in your price range could compete with a SOTA Star. |
FWIW: around 3 or 4 years ago when I was in the market to replace my old stalwart Phillips 212, after many, many months of research and reading, I narrowed my crunch list down to the Rega P6 with either an Ortofon 2m Bronze or 2m Black, the Marantz TT-15S1 with its standard Clearaudio cart (the Marantz is built by Clearaudio anyway) and the Mofi Ultradeck+M. I ultimately pulled the trigger for the Mofi deck and have been extremely pleased ever since. Several reviewers said the Mofi deck was the best you could get for under 5K. |
- 63 posts total