End Game Turntable suggestions


Hello all, looking for insights to help me narrow down to some core choices; I am open to new or preowned. My system details can be seen under my profile.

In summary I have significantly expanded my vinyl collection and as of now I am looking to purchase an end game turntable appropriate for my setup. As you can see I use Mola Mola Kaluga Monos, and I really like the Zesto Pre and Phonostages. I find the class D/tube pre combination very pleasing. 

I would appreciate suggestions for around $5-8K (table + arm), new or used. I will have separate budget for cartridge. One preferred option (but not must-have) is universal voltage, as I may move the unit to Europe later. My current vintage turntable (Project Perspective) is 22 years old, and while I don't know how to compare to something really amazing, I can say that my setup is lacking detail and bass. The tonearm is terrible to keep aligned. Based on visits to Axpona and Cap Audio Fest and other research, I am thinking of a few in my budget, but will really value your suggestions of other brands:

- Origin Live Sovereign

- VPI Signature

- SAM Sinner

- Thorens TD 1601 (semi automatic)

Visual appeal is important to me (which is why Technics 1200 is not on my list despite great reviews everywhere). I love the idea of set it and forget it DD tables, but unfortunately mostly out of my budget (eg VPI HW-40 going for abt 11K used)....

Sorry for the long post but my hope is this background and help solicit good suggestions. Thanks

 

musicmatters1206

I had a Pure Fidelity Encore

And my Lyra Delos picked up rf noise from the motor 

Tried several different arms same noise

Good luck Willy-T

 

I use a Thorens TD-1601 with an Ortofon Cadenza Blue running through a Hegel V-10. To me this sounds fantastic. The arm lifts and the unit shuts down after the album side is done. The other feature that is/was important to me is the easily adjustable tonearm height, VTA. I can run any cartridge and keep the appropriate verticle tracking. I had a Rega 8 and it was an excellent TT but I hated shimming it when swapping cartridges. I sold it and purchased the 1601 and never looked back.