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

@musicmatters1206 I am not going to discourage you from your quest to grow your digital experience. I am going through that evolvement myself. I have a Dealer not too many miles with a Range of Jay's Audio CDT's, I am itching to have a owned Perfect Wave Memory Player demonstrated along side the Jay's Models using my Bespoke Built DAC, at present the home system is as good as packed away, so I will be a tyre kicker at present, and prior to this did not want to get caught up in a purchase that was readily available and then only to be packed away. This might be the 2024 endeavour.

As for digital in General your earlier comments on Streaming are from my most recent demonstration of streaming relevant. Putting it in context, the Streaming was played through the exact same devices, a SP10 R Vinyl Source with supporting ancillaries for the Vinyl function, to a value of approx' £20K  has been used prior to the Streaming Demonstration. The TT is a extremely impressive performer, the Streaming Demonstration was of a the latest guise of the device and was not out of its depth being replayed in a room shared with Great Vinyl and the follow Up digital devices that were to be demonstrated.

With Vinyl as the consideration and the aesthetics of the TT being a big influence on a decision to be made.

The Model in the Link may catch your attention for aesthetic appeal.

If carefully planned and created, I feel is possible to be produced for approx' $1200, even with Polished Stacked Platters and if the Slate Top Plate on the Plinth is exchanged and a Veneered Densified Wood is used in its place. This will deliver a impressive performance as seen, the PTP Design does let an Idler Stand Out in delivered performance over other Idler Models.

Add to this at a later date or from the off set a luxury item such as a Speed Controller at approx' $1000. A LDA Quartz Lock, which I know well and have demonstrated it against other Speed Controllers, where it has shown to be a exceptional influence on a Idler Drive and also a Belt Drive.

With the correct planning and prudent purchase of a Donor TT. There is a lot of TT here for the monies and a lot of monies saved for other items to support the TT and the digital interest. 

    

@pindac 

Yes the Nutube was quite a fun build, only a few hours! I’ve also done a few ACA monos. So, you’re doing an alternate version of B1 that’s balanced? Assuming the larger component you mean an upgraded power supply that’s internal? One thing to look out for with Nutube is microphonics, there are some crafty methods of damping that but I’m sure your friend knows. Feel free to send me pics when you’re done, very interested! 

I have real estate for large diameter Cap's which will be seated as typical and not be squeezed in to a create a attachment. 

This will be the housing that may be produced from a Densified Wood. The Power Supply is looking likely to be within its own casing as there are demonstrations from other builds that suggest this is a valuable Topology. 

 

@musicmatters1206 

re your #3 (Vintage TTs), yes, there are turnkey solutions, and at least in the case of idler drive TTs, they are extraordinarily low maintenance, which is why they were often used in radio stations, and why so many have lasted for 60+ years.  Here is one turnkey provider, whom I’ve used for my Garrard 401 (the blue one on his website), and, most recently, my Thorens td-124 (platter finished in grigio silvertone, with a figured mahogany plinth):