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Need some turntable guidance

Hi,

I'm new here, so let me give you some background.

I'd say I'm more of a record collector than audiophile.  About 15 years ago, life happened and I had to re-purpose my dedicated listening room, so I put most of my gear in storage.  I now have my listening room back and I'm putting my system back together.

Here's what I have:

TT 1: VPI TNT 4 with TNT 5 bearing and flywheel, Eminent Technology ET 2.5 Tonearm, Supex SDX-1100 cartridge

TT 2: Denon DP-1250 with Magnepan Unitrack tonearm, Grado Reference Series cartridge

Phono transformer: Supex SDT-722

Preamp: PS Audio 5.0 preamp

Amp: Bryston 3B

Speakers:  Apogee Duetta II

The Denon was used to evaluate the condition of new purchases and some casual/background listening, so I'll probably leave that alone for now.

I'd like to "modernize" my system a little bit, but as a record collector, my initial focus is on the turntable.  I've been looking around, and seems I have several options.

1. Leave well enough alone, keep the table and arm as is.

2. Upgrade the VPI, I see there's an inverted bearing and platter upgrade available for TNT models, and sell off the current platter and bearing.

3. Sell off the TNT, and get something a bit less fussy as leveling the air suspension can be a bit of a pain.

If I sell, I'll probably want to keep the ET.

I'd appreciate any guidance I can get on this.

Thanks,

Ctor


ctor

Showing 3 responses by sdrsdrsdr

sdrsdrsdr
196 posts
 
@chakster 

It is possible to put together a 301 more affordably. Still more than the budget we are talking about here. I prefer grease over oil bearing but an oil bearing 301 can be had in nice condition for under $2k. And even less for a 401. I sold a perfect grease recently for $3k Canadian dollars. And plinths can be purchased online for as low as $500. I had Steve Dobbins do a full service on the one I’m using now for a cost of $450 usd. 

Yes. Still more than the direct drive options. But not by that much. I do agree that the Luxman is a good choice as it is complete with plinth. I saw one in a shop recently for $2k Canadian dollars. ($1500 usd). It had an arm on it too. Can’t remember the arm. 
sdrsdrsdr
196 posts
 
@chakster 

Have you ever owner a Garrard?  Yes. I agree DD would be a more costly approach. But to state not any better is wrong. DD and idler have a different sound. To state no better isn’t correct. They are different. 

I have a 301, along with two DD and a belt. My two close audio friends also have and one still owns an idler and a DD. One settled  on a Nantais lenco. The other has two 301’s and the DP80 all  in a row. He favours the 301’s. These are both very high end systems. But your correct the dp80 and sp10 mk2 are very cost effective.   Even more for your money is going the Lenco route. These can be purchased for about $500. 
I do understand the favouritism for the DD sound as I really like it too.  
sdrsdrsdr
196 posts
 
Correction to last post. 
I meant DD is a less costly approach.
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