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How to demo turntables and tone arms?

Thinking about upgrading my turntable and tone arm set up.  If I did, I would consider spending up to around $10k for the TT and TA (ie, not including the cartridge). So there are a few dealers in my market that have lower/mid priced stuff to demo, but as you increase in pricing, it seems that those brands may only have a few dealers in any individual country.  And even then, those dealers may not stock the full lines for the OEMs they represent.  So how do you demo these, especially tone arms?  Do you travel the country (I'm in the US) on planes to visit  dealers from coast to coast?  Do you just try the 2 or 3 brands/models that may exist in your market?  Or do people just order them based on reviews/internet research and hope you like what you receive when it arrives?  Would love any insight on how others of you have successfully navigated a methodical due diligence process for turntables and tonearms.  

rjduncan
boxcarman
578 posts
 

I have purchased 3 in the last 10 years, gave one away and sold one.  My advice is to get a brand that's not fussy to set up.  Like GHD says, do your research.  AS and Stereophile both have at least one issue per year with all their reccomendations.

vinylcat
54 posts
 

Yup - a phono system (table, arm, cartridge, and external tonearm cable) is very difficult to demo as a unit.

I was in the market for a new table/arm last year and had a short list going.  Between audio shows and dealer visits, I was able to eliminate most tables of interest.  Ended up buying a table variant I could hear at my main dealer and a tonearm (unheard, but researched) based on recommendations for this table.  Paid off, as it is really is a major upgrade table system from my last table/arm (which was quite good).  Same cartridge and tonesrm ic used.  Even came in under my projected budget.

Anyway, homework paid off well.  (of course, now I need a new cartridge...)

kennyc
2,834 posts
 

I don’t demo for turntables or tonearms but rather I do a lot of research of reviews.  A couple of notable turntables within your budget:

  • Well Tempered Labs Amadeus 254GT
  • Pure Fidelity Harmony v2

You usually can go much further purchasing used, I got my rim drive VPI Avenger + 2 VPI tonearms for 9k.

The Wand tonearms are high value, punching way above their price point

rjduncan OP
60 posts
 

Lots of good suggestions. I ended up demoing a few tables available in my market. Then did tons of AI research and review reading. After that went with a table and arm I didn’t demo. lol. But it’s an incredible Avid Volvere with a SME M2 arm. Used but looks new. Great price. Would’ve never gone this way at all at the start but very pleased I did!

superhonestben
221 posts
 

There is only on way to demo turntables and arms or anything for that matter........its to hear it in your home with your gear, hearing it in a store is nice but no substitute for in the home, tough to do I know but thats the only way to go

if one really wants to know.

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