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I want to upgrade my Turntable to something heavier

I am about to retire from work. I would like to upgrade my turntable before I do this. I have a Pro-Ject, which I like a lot, but I have two big dogs. I have been considering something 1) heavier and 2) balanced. I have SourcePoint 10 Speakers driven by a PS Audio Stellar Amp. The Stelkar also offers Balanced inputs. 

I am leaning towards the Pro-Ject X8 as being a good price with room for a better cartridge. I have considered VPI, but I don't care about upgrading. Once I am retired, this is it. Ideas or Suggestions?

alahankbear
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,830 posts
 

@tablejockey you won’t hear me complaining about sound quality. I love it. Setting vtf and azimuth is something else on these arms. Good thing is just a one time deal per cartridge more or less, and I have enough bourbon to calm me down. Lol

Forget regular kimchi…try kimchi radish. The after effects are rather peculiar…

oh and yeah I watched that video some time ago. Straight forward. Thx!

durkn
108 posts
 

I’ve got the VPI Prime 21 with the gimbal 3D arm. Running a Soundsmith Zephyr Mk3 ES cart. It’s excellent.

I’ve got the Gingko platform with cover and replaced the balls with Herbies.

Love my Prime 21 & Soundsmith cart.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,701 posts
 

@alahankbear 

Congrats, you and the dogs are probably sleeping better after making a decision! 

The Cat, my 1st wife loved them, and I loved her, but ....

alahankbear OP
19 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr Once I resolved the floor noise, I went ahead and made the call. The Hana ML won't be in stock until midweek, and they will set it up and ship it to me. Which gives me time to get a larger platform in. The VPI is wider than my Pro-ject, 

tablejockey
4,403 posts
 

I ended up with the VPI Prime Turntable & JMW-10 3D Tonearm"

@alahankbear 

Solid choice. Not seeing any mention of your phonostage, this is where consideration in maximizing your retirement rig.

ANY cartridge won't perform in it's best light without one.

As @audphile1 mentions,  living with VPI unipivot  can be challenging initally, but since you're getting it shipped ready to go, should be smooth sailing. 

Might be worth learning to setup later via online videos for maintenance adjustments to keep it performing as expected. 

Highly recommend, if your dealer hasn't already

Counter Intuitive for VPI tone arms | Soundsmith

Enjoy it!👍

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