@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?
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.
- ...
- 32 posts total
I am going to break your rule. Here is what you should buy: https://www.idler-wheel-drive.com Best sounding turntables at any price. Have one, never looked back. |
I haven't heard any of these myself, so I don't put too much weight into my input here, but I'll share my thoughts. Clearaudio is always highly reviewed, but I have NEVER met anyone who actually owns one. To me, that says something. Whenever people are shopping within their price points, they always go a different direction. I don't know the reason, but that's always stood out to me. I'd still love to hear one, but that would be enough to prevent me from ordering blind. They do have the most arm options though, so I do think that's a pretty solid advantage from their lines. For Luxman, their stuff is beautiful and reviews are positive from both critics and actual owners. I also think the knife edge bearings are interesting and they seem like a good medium between a classic gimbal and a unipivot. The option of various armboards is also very cool. And in the removable head shell, you're looking at a ton of great flexibility. I do prefer the look of the Centennial, but I think the technical upgrades of the 191 are enough that I would heavily prefer that if I had the option. 191 just feels like a table that will not limit you in the future, especially with the armboards. Now the Rega, while a totally different design, it has some awesome advantages. One is being dead simple and easy to maintain, especially if you stick with Rega cartridges. In my mind, this is by for the most set and forget of the bunch. I have also seen Rega arms on more non-Rega tables than most other brands. That's a huge endorsement to their arm designs, and that's worth considering. For me, I'd go Luxman 191 all day. To me, it feels the most future proof. But like so many great things in hifi, I think you've got a good list with no wrong answers. Don't be afraid to just lean into he one that speaks to you most. |
What high ed tabkes have to compared them too, and with what arms and cartridges? Clearaudio Ovation? Innovation Wood? Master Innovation? These are the tabes I have owned in the last three years. I’m interested in how they are bettered by your suggested table(s). |
- 32 posts total