Your turntable history

@dhite71 What I noticed in comparison to the VPI superprime scout is the tighter bass. I have no idea whether this is due table or cartridge. I asked Upscale Audio in California for a demo to show differences between tables (I am rather skeptical about those claims), so a demo with same cartridge and remainder of system and only different table, and they flat out refused. That tells me enough.

I bought the Naia so that there is no possibility of a nagging question "what if I upgraded to the better model". Once at the top, that's it.

I have heard differences between carts, but have not swapped out the Aphelion 2 against previous SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC*. I bought the VPI back then for VTA on the fly, but could not hear differences with the SS cart even with extreme changes in VTA. So Roy's approach of ignoring VTA in favor of solid build of tone arm makes sense and matches my experience.

I don't like the non-adjustable feet on the Naia, and also the felt mat is annoyance as it sticks to the record. Made a leveling base with TNG spinner feet and got a leather mat. Much thicker so VTA is different, but again, I cannot hear a difference between thin felt and thick leather mat. 

Hope that helps.

@coltrane1 I’m thinking of getting a VPI

You can buy used then sell if you find it unsatisfactory. Mass loaded turntables are known for their deep bass. You only live once. VPI has been around a long time with a great reputation. I run an VPI Avenger Rim. 

@yoyoyaya 

The Boulder stuff is mad. I bought the 1108 phono stage early 2025 and got hooked. It completely smokes the Naim Superline/SupercapDR I had before. I have my sights set on upgrading my Naim 252/300 to Boulder 1110 pre and 1151 monoblocks.

Garrard autoslim (from EJ Korvette)

Dual 
Benjamin Miracord

Technics

Michell Synchro

Well Tempered (difficult to set up and adjust--wanted something simpler)

Rega Planar 6  (my current turntable.. which I seldom use).

My first turntable was an Empire 698 with a MicroAcoustics 2002E electret cartridge. $398 + $90 mail order from Stereo Discounters in Maryland. This was in 1977 as I was assembling my first really good system. I kept the 698 for a year before selling it to a friend from work. I then bought a new Ariston RD11S from my local HiFi store along with a used SME 3009 arm ($380 + $150). This was in 1978.