Turntables opinions

ND13 · October 2006

Help me make a decision

This http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1165368563

or this http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1165688016

or this http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ddanlgtabl&1161813301&demo&3&4&

or this http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1165191071

The Vpi and the Nottingham are a bit out of my budget, but if they were THAT much better, I'd consider them over the MH and Sota.

reeltrouble1 · October 2006

I would go for the VPI.

RT1

billbillw · October 2006

I'd hold out for a VPI HW-19 Mk3 or Mk4. Typically priced in the sub 1k range and will offer better sonics than the Sota or the MMF. The HW-19 can take just about any tonearm and parts are readily available for upgrades.

Don't know anything about the Nottingham, but its an interesting design.

ND13 · October 2006

billbillw wrote:

Don't know anything about the Nottingham, but its an interesting design.

That's their entry table.

Is this what you're talking about? http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1165605514

I really don't want to have to mess around with buying a seperate tonearm. I don't mind installing a cartridge.

madmax · October 2006

ND13 wrote:

I really don't want to have to mess around with buying a seperate tonearm.

Really not much of a consideration. You just pick one out and bolt it on.
madmax

jderdock · October 2006

Being that it's the only turntable I've ever owned, I don't have much to compare it too.....

....but I couldn't be happier with my Rega P3!

billbillw · October 2006

When I was talking about the HW-19, I meant hold out for one that included a nice arm, and the price should be less than 1k. Without an arm, you are probably 500-600. Arms are really pretty easy to install, like Max said, the only problem can be getting the matching armboard. Fortunately, VPI still sells armboards for the 19.

Technically, all of the turntables you linked, except the Music Hall, have separate tonearms, you are just buying them already mounted.

cmy330go · October 2006

Of the 4 listed, assuming money is not an object, I would pick the VPI. It's hard to ignore all the great press that table has received. I personally have not had extended experience with it, but have a friend that has been through many tables and has held onto this one longer than any other.

Also just wanted to say that the MMF-5 is a great deal. And the seller is OUTSTANDING to work with!!!! I've purchased 5 or 6 items from him (Stephen Monte) and have always been extremely pleased with the friendly and knowledgeable service! Guys like him are hard to find these days.

TroyD · October 2006

Of the bunch, go VPI.

The SOTA is a nice table but the are finicky (sp) and lord help you if it breaks. Plus, shipping, inherent to the design, is risky.

BDT

RuSsMaN · October 2006

Nottingham or VPI.

DAGLJAM6 · October 2006

VPI, if for no other reason than the easy setup. The jig that ships with the table makes the whole process a breeze. Mine was rolling along 20 minutes after it was unpacked. (Also no tricky anti skate adjustments as well.)
Sounds great and with a relatively inexpensive cartridge (350-400) you will have a great TT.

mhardy6647 · October 2006

VPI or the new Marantz (which is more or less a Clearaudio Emotion with a Clearaudio arm, too).

reeltrouble1 · October 2006

Well, did you get it, did ya, come on we want to know, did ya, did ya!!!!!

RT1

ND13 · October 2006

I'm gonna wait till after PFest to do anything.

I'll probablt end up with the Nottingham or the VPi, if they're still available.

Thanks for the opinions, it's actually what I figured, other than I thought there'd be more support for the Sota.

Dennis Gardner · October 2006

Check that Nottingham for warping on the undershelf. They are notorius for that issue. I would go VPI. If the Sota was a Sapphire, then I'd be more tempted to consider.

ND13 · October 2006

TroyD · October 2006

Bag a VPI Scout and call it a day...

900 and an iSonic? Getting warmer...

billbillw · October 2006

This is the kind of setup I was talking about before:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1166395408

It will probably go quick (if it hasn't already)
Ask the guy to check what version of the HW-19 it is.

Otherwise, do like Troy has been recommending.

Ricardo · October 2006

Noel,

Here's a good deal for ya....about half price..

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1166133164

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

madmax · October 2006

I highly recommend spending some time over at www.vinylasylum.com to get a feeling for different tables. Each has its own character and the more you read what people say about them the better you can make a lasting choice.
madmax

Edit: Oops, if you don't find the vinyl products you want there you might try http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/bbs.html Sorry...

hearingimpared · October 2006

You can't go wrong with a VPI and I agree with bill w and I speak from experience. The arm boards are eazy, so eazy that at one time I had three tonearms and swaped them out 1, 2, 3. I think if you write Harry W. you could pretty much get them to drill out a 19 arm board for any tonearm out there.

hearingimpared · October 2006

HTrookie wrote:

Noel,

Here's a good deal for ya....about half price..

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1166133164

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

LOL That is on my short list AFTER I pay off my mortgage.:D

reeltrouble1 · October 2006

Rega, VPI, Clearaudio, Marantz, Michell, all good tables. Just need to pull the trigger when you decide.

RT1

ND13 · October 2006

HTrookie wrote:

Noel,

Here's a good deal for ya....about half price..

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1166133164

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

He didn't care for my offer too much!!!!;)

I offered to let RuSsMan and Doro do him and give him the courtesty of a reach-around!!!:eek:

Turntables opinions

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