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New Turntable

Hi All,

I’m considering a new turntable for a system based around Classe Delta separates and Focal Utopia speakers. I’ve narrowed my choices down to a few models:

  • Luxman P151 MK II Centennial Edition
  • Luxman P191A
  • Clearaudio Ovation or Innovation
  • Rega P10

And looking for any feedback folks have on sound, value, ease of use, etc. I need to decide if I want to try to snag an individual centennial edition from Luxman while I can or get the entire set. I don’t have a ton of turntable experience, so as fuss-free of an experience as possible is desired. When I spoke to dealers they considered these options pretty low-maintenance and I should not be concerned there, though they did mention that Rega is about as set it and forget it as can be. I will need a dust cover and as far as I can tell all of these have that option available.

One thing that concerns me about Clearaudio is the age of the models and the almost 50% increase in price of the product lifetime of the Ovation. If it was still around 8K it would be an obvious front-runner for me. 

Please don’t respond with other brands. There is an overwhelming amount of choice out there and I’ve worked pretty hard to get to a short list already. An example I had, but removed was Goldnote Mediterraneo as it would be not regularly demoed and is available special order only.

 

tank_pd
woots's avatar
woots
367 posts
 

I have the Luxman PD 151 MKII with their accompanying cartridge and i am very happy with it. I love the heaviness of the unit and it is built solid. I also like that it has XLR inputs making for a better sounding connection and integrates easily with my pre amp. It also has RCA connections. I also recommend the dust cover. I know a couple Luxman dealers very well if that helps. I also have their phono pre amp. I think it is the E500. Happy to answer additional questions. 

oldaudiophile
384 posts
 

FWIW:  Rega is a proponent of low-mass design TTs.  If you go with the P10, make absolutely certain you have something rock solid to place it on, with or without isolation platform.  For that matter, with your system, any TT should have a rock-solid supporting surface, especially if you like rocking down the house every now & then.

tablejockey
4,403 posts
 

With the level of associated gear choices, I'm guessing you're not too concerned about going a little over budget?

The selection of tables are nice, but I'd lean towards the Rega, and go  Naia/Apelion combo and call it a day.

The Luxman would be nice for having a few different headshell/carts available to swap as you please-MM/MC/mono.

Looks like Classe doesn't offer a separate phono stage? I'm sure the internal in their line stage is good, but top performance is  arguably an outboard? You want the BEST available for whatever you choose to go with.

dekay's avatar
dekay
6,184 posts
 

Have you looked at the Thorens TD1600 or TD1601 (the latest version with the TP160 tonearm)?

The TD1601 has auto lift @ the end of play.

I couldn’t get the Thorens site to work when looking for a dealer in the Los Angeles area, but you may have better luck.

I’m having phone and Internet problems right now (AT&T), so probably won’t be back for a while.

 

DeKay

melsen
2 posts
 

I'll join Woots in his endorsement of the Luxman PD 151 Mk11.  I got mine about a year ago after determining that it has all the positive attributes he mentioned.   It runs flawlessly for me and is solid as a rock.  I'm using an Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and purchased the optional dustcover.  I couldn't be happier.   

 

Matt

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