Looking for a new Turntable and need some advice.


Hello all,

Would be very interested in your thoughts on the Rega P7 or P9, VPI Scoutmaster or Classic, Mitchell Gyro SE Mk II and Origin Live Resolution Mk 2. All very similarly priced and having their own pros & cons.

I have plans to audition the O/L Resolution in the coming weeks and planning to hopefully have a demo of the others pretty soon.

As to the Rega P7 I'm really torn on this one, not sure if the P7 will have more of everything, soundstage, timing, detail, silent blacks than my P25, would be disappointed if it was only marginally better.

Current setup consists of a Rega P25 with the Groovetracer Sub-platter and Acrylic Platter, Pete Riggle VTAF and Grado’s Reference Platinum cartridge. All connected to a McCormack Micro Phono Drive with Platinum upgrades. After hearing the difference between a stock McCormack MPD and the Platinum I knew the table set up was a limiting factor and thus the reason for starting this search for a new table. I’m in no hurry and will be doing as much research as possible before making a final decision on my purchase.

I also have plans to move up in the Grado line to either the Reference Reference or Statement in the near future as the Platinum starts to age (if that makes a difference).

Anyway I would like to Thank Everyone in advance for your constructive comments. Would really like anyone’s thoughts if they went from one brand to another (pro’s and con’s).
ig316b
I used a Scoutmaster for 2 years and thought it was a terrific table.I have not heard the classic,but it looks great and would probably be easier to use.I replaced the Scoutmster with an Acoustic Solid Manfred(stock RB-250 arm).I prefer the Manfred to the Scoutmaster.I had originally intended to upgrade/tweak the arm,but it sounds so good as-is,that I have left it alone.
I second the vpi classic. To keep cost down consider using a Shure 97 cartridge to begin with. It too, is low cost and if you don't like it, it would make a great backup cartridge plus it will give you experience in the mounting task. I know, a benz would be better, but I have heard it and was surprised that something so low cost could produce 'benz like' sound.
Thanks for the inputs. I've scheduled an appointment to hear the Origin Live in the coming weeks, after that will find a place to give a listen to the Vpi and Michell gear. I will also start looking for someone that caries Acoustic Signature just to give its fair shake. Seems like the more reading I do their coming up as suggestions so they must be doing something right.
Again Thank you.
You have listed many fine turntables to demo. If you like your current Rega setup, you will probably enjoy moving up to the P7 or P9.

I would suggest trying to stretch your budget and consider the Galibier Serac http://galibierdesign.com/prd_serac.html. While at the higher end of the price range you have indicated, IMO there is a significant jump in performance. Plus the platter and base are upgradeable. Thom Mackris is one of the hobby's good guys and could direct you to the nearest person for a demo.

Good luck with your search.
I have a suggestion that is less costly than some of your stated interests and IMHO far exceeds the musicality of the Rega P9. The new Well Tempered Amadeus is a superb turntable system for $2850. For my auditioning it was far more musical than the P9 - in every way. The cost for an Amadeus will be higher than $2850 because you need to supply your own RCA's. I use Auditorium 23's at $795 per 1 meter pair; they are also available in 0.75 and 0.5 meter lengths. Please do yourself a favor and audition the Amadeus with a good pair of RCA's and your cartridge of choice. If you do, you should plan on a lengthy audition!

YMMV, but in the case of the Amadeus, I seriously doubt it.

Good luck!