2. analog
  3. 1013201919

Turntable suggestions?

I'm considering adding a turntable to my existing system. I have over 1000 albums that I've collected since the 1950's. Most of them are in excellent condition, as I've always been careful about cleaning them and not leaving them out on the turntable, floor, bed, etc. to collect dust. I have at least 25 MFSL albums and even some quadraphonic albums. It's been over 20 years since I've played them. I still have my old Dual CS 604 with an Ortofon (sp) cartridge. At 2002 CES and T.H.E. Show I heard quite a lot of analog and enjoyed the warmth, beauty and natural sound the turntables produced.

My current system consists of Dynaudio Contour 3.3 speakers, Plinius SA250 MKIV amp, Audio Research Ref. Two preamp all using NBS Monitor I cables.

I'd consider around $2500 for a used turntable.
rosstaman
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
SOTA = bad ass belt drive. Take it from a DD owner. Period.
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cjlundgren
33 posts
 
If you can swing it, I would highly recommend the VPI Aries w/JMW arm. This is an unbeatable combination in this price range. You should be able to pick up this combo used for the money you are talking about. I have been using this table and arm for two years and have had zero problems and great sound. The bass extension on this table is incredible! This combo replaced my 20 year old Oracle setup and soundly trounces that table, no doubt about it! VPI is a great company. They make great products that are built to last, are upgradeable, and they have great customer service. Highly recommended!!!
rwd
695 posts
 
I agree with Cjlundgren above. The VPI Aries and 10.5 arm combo is quite good.....and gets better with the synchronous drive system! Good luck!!
objective1
95 posts
 
don't know if your still listening....but I picked up a used Aries and JMW 10.5 on the 'gon just three weeks ago...2600$...it was my second table...like you I had a late 70's rig that I had been using off and on (lux PD121)...after setting up my Koetsu Black on this thing, I'd never buy another arm that didn't have adjustable VTA on the fly...that in and of itself should be something to consider in your purchase. I was almost ready to bail on this new venture when the guy I sold my Lux to told me to try and adjust the VTA. WOW!!! Having had my original table set up by the dealer and never touching the tonearm setup, I never understood how this one adjustment could make a rig go from sounding worst than a 100$ Technics direct drive with a 'needle' to something that you don't want to stop listening to.
trebleclef
73 posts
 
lucishow you are one lucky soul if you got a Rekokut cheap. Weren't they built by Harmon Kardom? The one I'm thinking of was indeed solidly built and had an outstanding tangent tonearm. I think I saw one on ebay last week. I don't remember the current price but it was up there. Not surprising as those of us who remember that under all of the structure wasw a dependable product that to this day remains SOTA ! If you see another one I'll take the tip.
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