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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
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

slaw's avatar
slaw
26,495 posts
 

Check out Funk Firm.

tank_pd OP
10 posts
 

Thank you all for your experiences with the various tables. You have confirmed the quality of the model selection and the different approachs in design --what the dealer mentioned between the high-mass tables and making sure I can isolate the Rega if I go that route. 

@dwette: How did you decide to move further up Clearaudio? The base level Innovation and Ovation are closer than they have been in price in the past. I still may need to go Ovation in terms of fitting in my rack more easily. 

@tablejocke:  For this I don’t want to go too far over budget as I’m not sure it will get the same level of use as my other sources. If I go over, it would be to complete the Centennial Luxman set with the P151 MKII and just use this as a different system.

No, the Classe doesn’t have a separate phono (that brand is just ugh..right now) but the built in is quite good from what I have read. If I had to go separate phono, I would like Accuphase, Luxman or the Rega phono stage, but that would really balloon the budget by 2x! I declined an opportunity to purchase Naim Solstice with separate phono.

@woots: The Luxman has XLR out? Is direct from wires out the tone arm? I can't see this via the online photos. Is the setup / assembly as bad as it looks in this review? Or did the dealer assembly for you? https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1183-luxman-pd-151-mark-ii-turntable

@dekay: Haven’t looked at Thorns. I can get the majority of the turntables through the same couple of dealers in OC or other dealers I’ve worked with so I’m more comfortable with these brands. I think next step would be to stop into there and see/listen to a few myself. Will see if they have Thorns. At this price range I’m not going to go single offer/quote.

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