2. analog
  3. 1058745046

Who will survive? One last table til I die.

I want to buy a final turntable (call it 25 years worth of use until I can't hear or don't care). I want to be able to get parts and have it repaired for the next quarter century. I would also like the sound quality to be near the top or upgradable to near the top for that time period. I don't necessarily require that the manufacturer be solvent that long (the preferable situation), but otherwise the parts would have to be readily available and the design such that competent independent repair shops be able to fix it. I won't spend more than $10,000 and prefer (but don't require) an easy set up that doesn't need constant tweaking. I'm willing to pay for the proper stand and isolation needed over and above the initial cost.

I've got 9,000 LPs, and it doesn't make sense to start over replacing them with CD/SACDs (although I have decent digital equipment) even if I could find and afford replacements. Presently I have a CAT SL-1 III preamp and JL-2 amp, Wilson speakers, Sota Cosmos table, SME IV arm, and Koetsu/Lyra Clavis/AQ7000nsx cartridges.

Thanks in advance for your input. Steve
suttlaw
rsuminsby
152 posts
 
A Linn LP-12, of course! It's lasted two decades, and will probably last another two, if only out of pure, scottish stubborness!
herman
2,215 posts
 
You have a fine analog system, and since Sota is still in business, why not contact them about about bringing your table up to current standards if it isn't already. Then purchase whatever parts they predict may wear out in the next 25 years (motor, bearings, ????) and purchase a few of those.

I think that would have to be a lot less than the $10,000 you have in your budget. That leaves you with plenty of money to play with some different arms and cartidges and buy some new vinyl.
gladstone
296 posts
 
In your price range, you should get a VPI HR-X. Then get a separate phono stage. With the number of records you have, it's more than justified. As good as the CAT phono stage it, it doesn't stand up to a separate like ARC, Manley, etc. I had the Linn; it's not even close compared to other tables like VPI, SME, etc.
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