Calling all analog experts

J.,

We have similar systems. I use the ARC LS-2 preamp, with an ARC PH-3 phono preamp, Mark Levinson No. 23 amp, and Revel Studios speakers as well.

I initially bought the Basis 1400 TT, with RB300 arm. I bought them used. I originally put a Benz Micro Glider II on it (0.84MV). It sounded quite good. I paid $1,000 for the TT and arm (and a marble plinth to set it on). The Glider cost me $800, new.

I enjoyed the sound so much, that I am now upgrading to the Basis 2001, with a RB900 arm. I already upgraded to the Koetsu Black cartridge. (Although the later upgrade was more a matter of taste. For your first cartridge, I would suggest the Glider II, although with our speakers, I found it a trifle bright. I have also heard the the Shelter line is a good bang for the buck as well.)

All of the turntables you list are all good, it is really just a matter of taste, and getting the best bargin.

Therefore, my strategy for you would be:

1. Go to a few stores and friends houses and listen to their systems, and figure out which TT's, arms and cartridges you like. (There will probably be several).

2. I really suggest keeping an eye on the used market places (Audiogon, Ebay (I found my TT & arm there), and takefiveaudio (a stereo shop in Canada that seems to always have a few decent used turntables.) When you find a good bargin, buy it. (Don't get hung up in a price war, (or even on a particular TT, arm or cartridge), as you will always be able to find a good deal if you are willing to wait a week or two.)

3. After buying the TT and arm, I suggest you take it to your local stereo shop who has an analog guru. (I use Brian at The Analog Room in the S.F. Bay Area, who is a great guy!) Have him put on your cartridge of choice. He will be able to check out the TT and arm, and properly setup the cartridge, which is not so easy for a newbie with out the proper tools, as the azimuth, vta, tracking force, etc., must all be setup correctly to get the best sound out of the unit.

4. Sit back and enjoy. If you don't like it, you can always sell it and not be much out of pocket. If you really like it (as I did), you can still sell it and move on up.

Good luck and have fun!

Cartridges must be hard to audition as I doubt a retailer will keep changing cartridges till your ears dictate a sale.
How much of a difference in sound is there between a vpi scout which I imagine to be the lower end of really hi end tables and the upper echelon basis clearaudio and avid tables? Bigtee: How does a JMW 9 arm compare to a RB300 or RB 900 or Graham 2.2 etc?

Nice dilemma you have, there are lots of good 'tables on the market. I've heard most of the front ends you've listed, but again arm and cartridges are always different so it's very hard to say which is "best".

My choice would be an Oracle Delphi V with a SME Series V arm and a Koetsu pick-up. My boss has this set up and it's the best front end I've heard yet. Visually stunning, easy to tweak, and offers outstanding performance. Seems like Oracle isn't that well thought of here on the 'Gon, they are rarely mentioned. Don't let that dissuade you.

Cartridges are funny cuz they interact with every part of the analog chain, you may want to check with Phonomenon and see what they recommend? Enjoy! Jeff

Jsonic, I feel it is better than the RB300-600 and on par with the 900(if not better.)( Of course, I've read numerous articles that have said the RB250 w/ Incognito wiring is better than the other Rega arms-who knows-can't try everything) I don't know about the Graham. The JMW seems to form one of those synergy's on the Scout. Most of the Mags are pretty high on it---for what that is worth. I do think is pretty much unbeatable for the bucks, especially with a little discount. Ultimately---you have to be the judge.

Jsonic, I've done plenty of raving on the Teres tables in the past, so I won't bore everyone with that again. They are great, and they are low cost(as high end TTs go). Buy anything else, and risk getting beat by a Teres in an A/B. 'Nuff said.

As far as the arms go, I would say that interest in anything higher in the Rega line than a fully OL modded RB250 should be redirected at the OL tonearm lineup. These start at about $800 retail and go up. Performance is high.

I won't comment on the JMW arms, other than to say that I only buy gimbal-bearing arms, and shy away from unipivots of any type, for my own reasons regarding tonearm design criteria.