2. analog
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Recommend a TT/Tonearm combo under $2000?

I've decided it's time for a hi end analog playback system. I'm starting off with the turntable/tonearm combo. Right now I'm using a typical receive with phono stage built in, so I plan to use my Sure V15xMR. I'm looking for a turntable/tonearm combo under $2000. I'll also entertain cartridge reommendations as well. My current vinyl playback device is a Yamaha PX-2 linear track, which works well and sounds nice, but i realize that most linear tracking turntables do not reproduce sound as accurately as it should due to the tone arm having to constantly compensate for tracking errors. I've looked at some offerings from Rega, VPI, Sumiko, Goldring, Sota, Linn, and Thorens; but the number of turntables in my price range is overwhelming.

My main musical interest is rock and classic rock. Most of my vinyl is either original 60's-80's and some 180gram reissues.

Steve Bennett
arnold_layne
episteme
55 posts
 
Speed stability is not an issue with the P5/P7 Regas. They have corrected the common problem with the P3 (which is easily fixed with some electrical tape around the subplatter anyway).

I won't recommend a particular table for you because I haven't heard enough. I have (and enjoy) a Rega P5. From the Rega line, this is exactly the table you should consider, given your price range. Consider it with the power supply upgrade. I will say that it stomps all over the P3 in every area.

That said, I suspect that you will need to listen to two or three top contenders and decide which sounds suits your tastes best. Good luck!
arnold_layne OP
141 posts
 
The problem is finding a hi end audio dealer near where I live to audition different turntables. There doesn't seem to be any. Just the typical Best Buy and Circuit City. We used to have a hi end audio dealer years ago, but he didn't stay in business long. Seems I live in a town where Ipod's and mp3's are as hi end as it gets. I live in Southern Maryland.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Speed stability is not an issue with the P5/P7 Regas.

Yeah, right.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>Speed stability is not an issue with the P5/P7 Regas<<

Funny stuff. LOL
martykl
3,578 posts
 
For reasons too involved to explain, I just bought one table/arm at $1500 new and a second arm/table/cartidge at $2500 new.

The former: A discontinued Transrotor Sirius with a nicely modded RB 300 (vta, re-wire, rebuilt stub). I added a $500 Clearaudio and ended up at $2k. Certainly not the last word in analog, but I'm hoping for good results. I can add more when I set in up in +/- 10 days.

The more expensive table is an Acoustic Solid Wood w/unmodded RB300 in a VTA sleeve and a "for now" Ortofon mm cartridge. This table weighs app. 60 lbs (should be effective mass loading), and offers interesting upgrade potential. Down the road, I can re-wire the RB300 and re-build the back end (app. $300 for both mods from Britaudio.com) and replace the Ortofon (pick a price tag). It's also a nice looking object w/ high WAF for use in my family room.
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