New Turntable

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.

@tank_pd 

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. 

I was perfectly happy with the Ovation, but I had some financial windfalls from settlements, so I decided to treat myself. I also went up to the Innovation series so I could use multiple tonearms.

The Ovation is a great turntable. I recommend getting it with the Tracer or Universal tonearm.

@tank_pd 

My apologies, I mis-typed.  In fact, my PD151 only has RCA cables that come out the back NOT XLR.  I was using the E-500 phono stage and it does have XLR outputs.

As for set up the dealer showed me how to set everything up then I did it at home.  It's the first turntable I have set up and it sounds great so I'm confident if I can do it you can as well.  Is there a dealer option where they would set it up for you?

Let me know if I can answer any other questions for you.

"I’m not sure it will get the same level of use as my other sources."

"the built in is quite good from what I have read"

Framing your situation, internal phono section will support whatever you decide.

All your choices are solid. Clearaudio Innovation does have the aesthetic edge and upgradeable if you later get serious about LP use. 

Clearaudio Innovation does have the aesthetic edge and upgradeable if you later get serious about LP use

Indeed, the Innovation Wood (& Basic, Compact) supports two tonearms (12" if you want) and can be field upgraded to the Master Innovation (which supports an additional tonearm). The single-plinth  Innovation Compact and Basic cannot be upgraded to the Master.

The Master Innovation has crazy good performance when properly sited. I have mine on a HRS M3X2 21" x 19" isolation base, which in turns is on a HRS EXR rack. However, the Innovation Wood is an excellent performer too.