2. analog
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Forever turntable under $2000

In search of: forever turntable.

I'm currently looking to upgrade from my existing Pro-Ject RPM 1.3 to a table that I will (hopefully) never grow out of. I'm looking for something that is *technically* competent, something where I know the engineering is extremely solid and "timeless," and provides a good analog platform to swap carts with. My budget for this is $1600 with cart (but up to $2000 if there's a good case for it). The rest of my system is as follows:

* LSA 2.1 Statement speakers

* Schiit Gumby DAC

* Schiit Freya preamp

* Adcom GFA555 power amp

* Schiit Mani phono stage

So far, I have looked into the Rega P6 (or a used RP6), a Clearaudio Concept, a variety of Pro-Ject offerings, and a Michell Technodec... but at this level there are so many choices, its hard to know where to start. Any ideas? Thanks!
primarist
sleepwalker65's avatar
sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
Lewm, the coreless design in principle as a DESIGN is proven, but design has nothing to do with the EXECUTION. Technics used the exact same motor/platter/tonearm for 30 years and then changed direction in design, which dictates different components are used to execute the different design.

Execution demonstrates its worthiness over the duration it is utilized. That is the measure of durability. In light of the fact that this is a new execution of a different design, it remains to be assessed over a reasonable period of time how well it acquits itself.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi primarist,

FunkFirm Flamenca
Rega RP6
VPI Scout
or any used tt in 5-6K league
jperry
2,448 posts
 
"engineering is extremely solid and "timeless," and provides a good analog platform to swap carts "

Get a tonearm with a removable headshell. Maybe a Technics or something with one of the new Jelco tonearms
benjysch
4 posts
 
I'll put in my vote for the Linn, too.  I bought mine (SN 1734) used in 1975, with a Keith Monks mercury arm.  I've tweaked it over the years, recently attaching the Lingo, and placing corner braces (have a friend with a great wood shop).  You can certainly get a used one, maybe even with their best bearing, for what you want to spend.  There are a lot of turntables that are cooler looking, but this is definitely a "forever" one.
gibsonian
73 posts
 
You'd have to be quite the pessimist to be concerned with Technics TT longterm reliability.    I have a cheap P mount  Technics TT sitting on the shelf that I am certain will outlast me.   Japanese direct drives in general just keep ticking.   I have several from 70's and 80's that won't stop.  U gotta be kidding me.


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