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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
dwette
534 posts
 

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.

rsure
40 posts
 

@woots I am also considering the Luxman PD 151-MK II as a first turntable purchase along with Audio Note TT2 and the Technics SL 1200G. Do you have any experience with these models and how they compare with the Luxman? I read some feedback that said the Luxman was over priced for what it delivers and has the ‘brand-tax’ especially compared to the Technics models. 

woots's avatar
woots
367 posts
 

@rsure I only have experience with Terchnics not Audio Note.  I think what I really like about the Luxman set up that I haven't mentioned is the table combined with the Luxman cartridge.  They are so well matched.  I also think that you should consider the sound signature that you like and are looking for in your table.  I also have the E-500 phono stage that completely rounds out the Luxman set up.  I agree that most things are overpriced but you do get the guarantee that it will all work well together and that the engineers at Luxman know what what they are doing.  I have NOT heard one complaint about any Luxman set up.

rsure
40 posts
 

@woots thanks for the feedback. I am considering the E-250 phono stage if I go ahead with the Luxman. How would you compare the Luxman to the Technics tables?

woots's avatar
woots
367 posts
 

I think you will find the performance of Luxman to be more refined. Both claim to be low vibration but I believe the Luxman’s platter is heavier and more solid. Having heard both with similar cartridges I went for the Luxman and the phono stage. 

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