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Out of production reference turntables



Hi Folks:

I am sure that there are a sizeable bunch of us who have no qualms about purchasing a piece of gear who's manufacturer no longer exisits but the sound and build quality is fantastic and reliable.

In the analog realm the modern turntable that is my benchmark for the sound I prefer is the VPI TNT.

When I was first seriously getting into this hobby, I remember reading about a few top end tables that, at the time, were considered the best. I would like to get some opinions as to how the following reference tables compare to gear made today using the VPI "signature sound" as a comparison.

1. Goldmund Reference
2. Forsell Air Reference
3. Rockport (any model except the Sirius)
4. Oracle

Thank you for reading.

D.H.
danhirsh
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
This is just an opinion.The Goldmund is a little dark and slightly syrupy.Don't use the t-3 arm.The Forsell will require extra filters/moisture removal for its' compressor.Repairs done overseas/shipping $$.No exposure to lower coet Rockports,in this price range consider slimmed down Walker table.The Oracle doesn't do bass and is slightly light in the midbass.Maybe an Immedia RPM 1/2 would be a better choice.No experience with RPM arm,had a Wheaton or Air Tangent on mine.Hope this helps.
tangram
18 posts
 
the goldmund reference is still up there with the very best, i agree the t3f was by far the weakest link on the combination, but the kuzma airline on the goldmund well.....
rcrump
427 posts
 
The Goldmund Reference was a wonderful table, but don't buy the T3F arm at any price....I've had a Rockport Capella now for 12 years and am done. Nice thing is Rockport is out of the turntable business, but will continue to support them and is very much in the audio business.....Just eleven of the early Capellas out there total so they are pretty rare....I had a Goldmund Studio with a Shreve Rabco on it and the Rockport ate it as must be 20db quieter.....Had a friend with a Goldmund Reference and his early Sirius ate the Reference with the Goldmund arms.....The Rockport as I say is likely 20db quieter than most anything else....Not sure I would do a big table (550 pounds) again as something like the RPM would likely do me fine and be a lot more portable.....CD sound has also improved quite a bit in the past 12 years so don't think I would recommend a huge table......No mine isn't for sale.....
naimfan
166 posts
 
Agree on the Goldmund.....fantastic table. The "syrupiness" can be tamed by putting it on a piece of granite/slate or a concrete floor. And I think a lot of the flavor ascribed to the table was actually due to the T3F arm, which I've heard be decimated by a Naim Aro and an SME IV.

Only heard a Rockport briefly and thought it excellent but tuneless. Never heard the Forsell.

The Oracle is OK, but doesn't belong in the conversation.

Best,

Bob
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Anyone ever hear one of the tables produced by Tube Research Labs (designed by Paul Weitzel and brother of Record Research Lab's Brian Weitzel)?
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