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Need Advice On A New Turntable Upgrade

I am wanted to replace my Pro-Ject 5.1 turntable with a better turntable.

I have started listening to vinyl again after years of digital only.

I have a dealer locally that carries VPI, Acoustic Signature and Oracle.

Trying to keep it under 5000,00 including cartridge.

The VPI Prime I was looking at seems to be a great turntable but it is pretty wide and I would have to modify my audio rack which is not a big deal and I am not sure I like the motor separate from the table (I have a cat). I liked the looks of the VPI Classic, a few are still available but discontinued. One dealer I know was very critical of the VPI but I cannot find anything bad about them besides his opinion (he carries Acoustic Signature but not VPI but he is a very reputable dealer).

The Acoustic Signature seems to be a nice turntable. I was looking at the WOW XL. I used to have an old Oracle Alexandria but long gone. The Oracle have some new models but not sure I like the lighted base. I have a LFD Integrated amp and LFD phono stage and Harbeth 30.1 speakers.Any help on a turntable among these or another I might have missed and a cartridge would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

128x128dylanfan
12 responses Add your response
mrvordo's avatar
mrvordo
151 posts
 
I would suggest that you look for a used Oracle mk IV or V. That should be in your price range and they can always be upgraded to the current mk VI version 2 when/if you want.
The upgrades make a really good table awesome. I have had a mk III which I upgraded to mk V, and later upgraded a mk V to mk VI, and recently to mk VI v.2. Each upgrade was a BIG improvement.
Good listening
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 

Thanks tablejockey for the headsup about the DC box. I verified today that it is the final run and does not have the box in line.

I am excited to hear it.

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dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
I just had my dealer order the last Classic from the distributor.  Brand new so it should be the final run.  I am looking forward to using it. Thanks for all the help!
tablejockey
3,901 posts
 
dylanfan-

If you’re narrowing down choices, and you choose the Classic, make sure it’s the very last of the production run. A couple of runs VPI decided to try incorporating an inverting circuit for stable AC feeding the drive motor.

What this means is, there is a little DC box feeding the table. You can’t use any speed control devices(SDS, Phoenix) if, later down the road, you want precise platter speed.

I have one of these models, while it’s generally fine, I occasionally see these units listed for cheap, but can’t use them!
On rare occasion, the audio geek ears can hear the speed fluctuation, depending on instrument. Not a deal killer, just sayin....

The final runs do not have this circuitry. Easy to tell, if the power cord simply plugs into the table, you’re fine.

I see Classics listed regularly for great pieces. Spend another 1k on a LOMC, and you’re done. Invest in an equally competent phono stage. The Classic is worthy of a $2k+ unit if your tolerance can handle it. Always good,used listings for $2k+phono stages, which are always negotiable to half or better of retail.

dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
I definitely definitely like looks of the VPI Classic best, I found a decent deal on a b stock that has a slight scratch on it but not really noticeable. I like the motor being inside too instead of separate (I have a cat) like the Prime.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,669 posts
 

Another option is the Garrard 301/401 or Thorens TD124 with a custom plinth and an arm of your choice. you could easily get a wonderful set up for your budget and be happy for ever, with tons of upgrade paths for the future. I went from an oracle Delphi MK 4 system to a Garrard 301, custom bamboo plinth, Jelco 12" arm and my Van Den Hull MC10 cart (just made it with a light weight head shell for compliance), and some steal pin points for isolation. After refreshing the very good shape Garrard 301 grease bearing I found total costs worked out to. Note; Canadian cost so lower by 30% for US$. Payed $2000 for the one owner Garrard 301, $1100 for the Jelco arm and light weight head shell (New price), $800 for the plinth I had a local gentleman who makes these custom make one for me but you can find great ones for less money then that. $250 for the isolation pin points. all set under $5000 Canadian so room for a great cart to toss on. Its much more musical then the Oracle ever was and I loved that table had it for over a decade. look at my profile for pictures. I would highly recommend this approach but its not for everyone of course.


link of mine playing one of the first times after finishing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TotrPBLePUY


austinbob
235 posts
 
I think the Classic 1 is a great value. The Prime is probably slightly better, but the Classic is 75% of the cost and you can buy an excellent cartridge with the difference. 
photodusty
100 posts
 
I went from the Project RPM to a VPI Scout and could not be happier.

db
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 

My turntable has a Sumiko Blue Point cartridge.

I am keeping it to play records that are not in that great of shape and the new one is to play high quality audio pressings and new albums.

chayro
2,986 posts
 
If I can make a suggestion - before you upgrade, try a Herbies mat on the 5.1.  I have never heard a mat make so much difference on a turntable.  Not that it's not worth upgrading, but just give the Herbies a shot.  You also might want to replace the stylus.  The Goldring it came with is not a bad MM cart at all and it deserves a fresh tip if you want to get back into vinyl.  
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