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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
herman
2,215 posts
 
You know, I really don't care about the output impedance, damping factor, frequency response, or any of those other measurements you guys are talking about as long as they are within reason. I care how it sounds. It was proven back in the seventies when solid state amps were just beginning to catch on that you can make an amp with spectacular specifications that sounds like crap.

Arguing specifications is a waste of time. There are way to many variables to pin it down to a certain spec. It's like arguing if a Mercedes is better than a BMW.

So here's the bottom line. Of all the systems I've listened to, the ones that are the most enjoyable, especially on a long term basis use tube amps.

BTW, in case you were wondering, it is a Mercedes
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Herman,
Thank you for a breath of fresh air! Cheers,
Spencer
jimbo3
304 posts
 
C'mon, Herman, Mercedes capacity for coolant can be up to a quart more than BMW and the extra weight adversely effects acceleration, braking and handling. Therefore, the BMW must perform much better. If you likes the cars, you must likes the BMW better. Porsches used to not have any water coolant at all and they were even better, which is proof that water as coolant is no good at all.

With tongue firmly in cheek-
Jim
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Gregadd, yes it's hard to ignore the bait. If you haven't already done so, read Sbank's post from today: Raul's MADLIB

That pretty well captures the essence of every thread. No need to have to read others, just bookmark this one and refresh your recollection of how these play out.
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c123666
871 posts
 
A table such as a Scheu Premier, Teres, or Acoustic Signature Final Tool is essentially a motor, bearing, platter, and plinth. A quality bearing, correctly maintained, should last a lifetime I would suspect. The only item that might be an issue is the motor. With a belt drive design utilizing an independently mounted motor one should be able to find a replacement motor easily if the original craps out and you cannot get it repaired.

Or, buy two or three used Thorens TD160 Supers and just bring out another one when the first one craps out!
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