In terms of bang for the buck, I’d say none of the above.
Advice on turntable decision: Mac MT10, ProJect HL Signature 10 or Clear audio Ovation
Hello Agon community. Looking for some guidance on choice of a TT.
By way of background I am presently running four systems in my home, two which presently have an analog front end. One is a C-J ART based system with a SME 20/12 and an urushi black Koetsu cart. Another is a Pass INT 20 driven system with a PS Audio Stellar Phone (awesome BTW) driven by a ProJect Xtesnion 12 with a Sumiko pear celebration II cart.
The system that this perspective TT will be used is a Mac based system, namely a C2500 preamp and 452 amp. I will be using the phono stage included in the C2500 - at least to start. Plus, if it helps the analysis I actually like the phono section of the C2500. I am less of a transparency guy and more of a midrange guy. The speakers for this Mac system are Raidho C2.1's with Odin cabling.
I have an opportunity presently to purchase any one of the above listed decks used but in excellent condition, and all priced within $1500 of one another give or take. I will be selecting my own cart so that should not be a variable in this equation at the moment. My listening room is 22 x 17 with 20 foot cathedral ceilings (but I have a REL sub so I don’t lose ALL the bass in the room).
I love the transparency and dead quiet from the SME. But I also love the surprisingly great and engaging pe4rformance of the ProJect Xtension 12. Of course, it is obvious that the MT10 looks absurd with the meter but I am a Mac guy so I love the look, especially since you can turn off the alien green acrylic platter. I am aware that the Mac TT is really just a rebranded Clear Audio Ovation, souped up by Mac, but the looks of the Mac are not a deal breaker for me. The Innovation Wood is very nice, but the ProJect is, to my eyes, the best looking of these three high mass heavyweight tables. All of these companies are well established so good service and support should be across the board. Resale is not a large factor but they all have been around for years and shall have more or less good resale.
What do I do?? I thank the entire Agon community for any help you can provide.
By way of background I am presently running four systems in my home, two which presently have an analog front end. One is a C-J ART based system with a SME 20/12 and an urushi black Koetsu cart. Another is a Pass INT 20 driven system with a PS Audio Stellar Phone (awesome BTW) driven by a ProJect Xtesnion 12 with a Sumiko pear celebration II cart.
The system that this perspective TT will be used is a Mac based system, namely a C2500 preamp and 452 amp. I will be using the phono stage included in the C2500 - at least to start. Plus, if it helps the analysis I actually like the phono section of the C2500. I am less of a transparency guy and more of a midrange guy. The speakers for this Mac system are Raidho C2.1's with Odin cabling.
I have an opportunity presently to purchase any one of the above listed decks used but in excellent condition, and all priced within $1500 of one another give or take. I will be selecting my own cart so that should not be a variable in this equation at the moment. My listening room is 22 x 17 with 20 foot cathedral ceilings (but I have a REL sub so I don’t lose ALL the bass in the room).
I love the transparency and dead quiet from the SME. But I also love the surprisingly great and engaging pe4rformance of the ProJect Xtension 12. Of course, it is obvious that the MT10 looks absurd with the meter but I am a Mac guy so I love the look, especially since you can turn off the alien green acrylic platter. I am aware that the Mac TT is really just a rebranded Clear Audio Ovation, souped up by Mac, but the looks of the Mac are not a deal breaker for me. The Innovation Wood is very nice, but the ProJect is, to my eyes, the best looking of these three high mass heavyweight tables. All of these companies are well established so good service and support should be across the board. Resale is not a large factor but they all have been around for years and shall have more or less good resale.
What do I do?? I thank the entire Agon community for any help you can provide.
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