Hunting for a turntable

doctorcilantro
doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
edited May 2014 in 2 Channel Audio
It's been two years at least, there are a lot of lonely LPs sitting around here.

I have no accessories, just test records.

I'm interested in these tables:

Rega P7 with Shelter MC and Rega arm (2k) - bunch of accessories
VPI Scoutmaster 2 new or used
Avid Ingenium


Rebuilt tables:

Lenco GL78 GL75 etc.
Thorens TD-125 TD-160

I'm seeing tables with Rega arms as an easy upgrade path to an Audiomods arm in future.
For Sale 2019:
Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
Decware EL34 amp
Allnic H-1201 phono
Zu Union Cubes
iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited November 2013
    With soo many tables to choose from today, I picked the one that is designed and built here at home. VPI Classic 1 for me.

    Good luck on your choice, it's a tough one.
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    The footprint for the Scoutmaster 2 is an exact match for this TimberNation platform I just got for a steal.

    What about this steal:

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-rega-p7-with-shelter-501-ii-cardas-incognito-wall-bracket-etc-2013-11-02-analog-98102
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • 4xoddic
    4xoddic Posts: 372
    edited November 2013
    ~ 2009, I made Goggle search for Bang/Buck TTs. The results led me to purchase a Marantz TT15S1 w/Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge (retails for ~ $900 alone). The TT15S1 is available for ~ $1K; which is what I spent, including a Gingko cover.

    http://www.elusivedisc.com/CLEARAUDIO-VIRTUOSO-V2-EBONY-MM-CARTRIDGE-38mV/productinfo/CLEMVIRV2/

    Here's a thread w/owner's test results:

    http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-314272.html

    I had to travel 105 miles to see one in person, for $1500 in a B&M shop; only to find the cantilever had been bent, so a different cartridge was in use. Dealers having demo TT15S1s w/bent cartridges is pretty common; here's a thread "lthough the CA stylus isn't supposed to be replaceable, it is apparently possible to fit the AT95E (or one of its improved aftermarket versions) stylus on there."

    http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/bent-the-cantilever-on-my-new-marantz-tt15s1.320676/

    Good luck with your TT hunt.
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    I'm looking in the Rega P7 manual. No specs on width or length, w/f, platter runout....
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited November 2013
    Nothing I can contribute here, because I don't run a 50 lbs platter TT. Nor run with the Hi-end TT boys and girls. So happy hunting!

    And give us some photos of the behemoths when you're done!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited November 2013
    Well, anything would be better than nothing in your situation. ;)

    All great tables mentioned. I chased up to $10K in retail value tables. Diminishing returns of course, but the less was still more than the previous table. Then I built a Lenco L75 idler drive with your used MG-1 linear tone arm. My total investment is under $2K (less cartridge) yet I have no desire to upgrade it, except for maybe a PTP Lenco (Stainless top plates instead of OEM stamped pan).
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • PolkieMan
    PolkieMan Posts: 2,446
    edited November 2013
    I like these guys! Sometime less is more.

    http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/uturnaudio/the-orbit-turntable-0
    POLK SDA 2.3 TLS BOUGHT NEW IN 1990, Gimpod/Sonic Caps/Mills RDO-198
    POLK CSI-A6 POLK MONITOR 70'S ONKYO TX NR-808 SONY CDP-333ES
    PIONEER PL-510A SONY BDP S5100
    POLK SDA 1C BOUGHT USED 2011,Gimpod/Sonic Caps/Mills RDO-194
    ONKYO HT RC-360 SONY BDP S590 TECHNICS SL BD-1
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    I don't know how they got away with funding that project with specs like that.

    I'm considering a rebuilt Garrard 401 but pursuing a VPI Aries Scoutmaster 2 right now ....any owners of that table?
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • TSWisla
    TSWisla Posts: 446
    edited November 2013
    I own one. I wholeheartedly recommend VPI. Great product, great service AND made in USA. PM me if you have any questions.
    Zu Soul Supreme
    Coincident Frankenstein mkIII
    Esoteric K-07
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited November 2013
    The Rega RP40 looks like it would be interesting. http://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-RP40-Limited-Edition-Turntable?sc=2&category=353
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited November 2013
    I would just send all your albums to me and then you won't need to look for a TT. Sometimes out-of-the-box thinking is required to solve these issues!
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • TSWisla
    TSWisla Posts: 446
    edited November 2013
    Here you go.
    Zu Soul Supreme
    Coincident Frankenstein mkIII
    Esoteric K-07
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  • robinofsherwood
    robinofsherwood Posts: 25
    edited November 2013
    I owned a Garrard 401, loved the way it looked but not the rumble from the rubber drive wheel.
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    So many tables!

    Now I have been looking at:

    Avid Ingenium - $2K w/ tonearm
    VPI Traveler - $1500 w/ arm
    Clearaudio Concept - $2K with arm and MC cart


    Higher priced:
    Funk Firm Little Superdeck
    VPI Classic 1
    Clearaudio Performance DC
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    I was offered $2200 but pickup (still need to get table to Middle East) in CT for VPI Aries Scoutmaster 2 JMW9 Tonearm.

    Problem is I could probably score a used Classic 1, if patient, for the same or less. Actually I can get a used black one for 2100 shipped CONUS!

    VPI states really low w/f for all their tables. No one else posts w/f like that, below .02%, except maybe the really high-end tables of the Teres motors. It's a bit suspect to me, I hate to say it.

    I've been reading some HiFIWorld reviews and the Little Superdeck review was interesting noting most belt drives always come in no better than at .04% w/f. And that table does some interesting things. Maybe VPI is just that good!
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited November 2013
    Not sure if your into Technics 1200-1700 tables DD but they have virtually nil W/F 0.001..
    Excellent tables with a good cart very hard yo beat under $1500..
    If your concerned about belt vs DD check out KABUSA myths and facts about these tables..
    ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    Yes I almost bought a Luxman pd-441 last week.

    I need a technics anyway for possible DJing but regardless I feel the upgrade path is a little involving and steep with 1200s. In other words, I'd be tempted to do too much. And it ain't cheap. Would be fun to add an Audiomods arm to a 1200, upgrade PSU.

    Actually I have a lead on a 1200 for 275 in good condition.

    I was think of royalcraft service on it them a new arm.

    That's actually only +400 usd and I think he gives an external psu!

    I guess I'm just feeling like a set it and forget it table.

    Gotta a good lead on something in easterneurope right now. We'll see.

    Btw I think 1200 w/f is .02% IIRC. Which is awesome indeed.
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited November 2013
    I would hold out for a Classic 1 that comes equipped with the 10.5 arm, I think TSWisla has upgraded his Scoutmaster II with a Classic 3 tone arm that has a better (easier) VTA on the fly adjustment.

    I'm sure he will tell you that the addition of the 10.5 arm was a big step up over the standard 9" arm that came standard on the Scoutmaster.

    Not saying the Classic 1 is any better than the Scoutmaster II, just comes "standard" with the 10.5 arm.
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    I think the Classic 1 might be too much table for me. It's massive and getting it over here might prove expensive.

    Also, I'm trying to just whet my vinyl appetite and not go overboard, not saying VPI is, but I have a lead on a setup that could simply satisfy me, but I'm not sure. Retails prices...

    CLEARAUDIO CONCEPT TT $2200
    Clearaudio Basic+ MC/MM stage with external PSU $1000
    Clearaudio Concept Tonearm (inc.)
    Clearaudio Concept MC Phono Cartridge (inc.)
    Acrylic dust cover $250
    Periphery ring $200?
    Strobe disc (maybe)

    $1950 shipped to me in Middle East. Possible 2 warranty.

    I think I'm going for it. I might add an AT33EV as I heard it gels well with this arm.

    I figure I could upgrade to a better arm down the road possibly.

    What ye think?
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited November 2013
    doctorcilantro wrote: »


    I think I'm going for it. I might add an AT33EV as I heard it gels well with this arm.

    Sounds good to me. I'm thinking of getting an AT33EV when my Karat gives up. I installed one for Blake and it gave us thrills and chills.

    I love my idler. ;)

    http://youtu.be/WLaGoC2A2tE
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    I love your idler too. It has some of my "blood".

    Maybe I'll keep an out for one too.
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited November 2013
    Best to get one and build it your way instead of paying for a done one you ain't happy with. I got my beater [GL75] before folks started the robbery pricing.

    Thought you'd recognize parts of that...lol
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    Anyone need any EL34 tubes? I need some accessories like carbon fiber brush, maybe a Milty?, zerodust, record weight possibly.
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    Curious how a Soundsmith Otello Moving Iron would sound compared to the AT33EV ?
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited November 2013
    Hey Doc, If you have 2K to spend on a table, this would work http://www.ebay.com/itm/VPI-HR-X-AUDIOPHILE-TURNTABLE-amp-JMW-12-6-TONEARM-/331064189099?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    The Classic? Yeah, that's on my short list. But I think I have a lead on another table.
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited November 2013
    Sorry, the ebay link didn't show the table that was for sale, it was a VPI HR-X with a JMW 12.6 arm for 2 grand. Around a 10K table new.
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    Sorry, the ebay link didn't show the table that was for sale, it was a VPI HR-X with a JMW 12.6 arm for 2 grand. Around a 10K table new.

    Yeah I couldn't find that one
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited November 2013
    I'm down to:

    Classic 1 used
    Clearaudio Ovation w/ Audiomods or Trans-Fi T3
    PTP Audio Solid9 (Lenco idler) w/ Audiomods or Trans-Fi
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited November 2013
    doctorcilantro wrote: »
    I'm down to:

    Classic 1 used
    Clearaudio Ovation w/ Audiomods or Trans-Fi T3
    PTP Audio Solid9 (Lenco idler) w/ Audiomods or Trans-Fi

    You know how I feel! Solid9, with the bearing upgrade if you can swing it. Great arm choice as well! The Rega on steroids is another great choice. You have a basement there? I like the compressor down there versus building a quiet box upstairs or in a closet.

    WIT-links-lchter.jpg

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    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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