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Turntable suggestions for a newbie

Hello all. Beginning my journey into analog. I've recently gotten some advice on here in regards to my integrated tube amp selection. I may be going about things backwards, but here's where I'm at now. I'm 99% in on the Raven Blackhawk as my amp.  At Ravens suggestion I've purchased the Schiit Skoll as my phono stage. So now I'm looking at tables. I've narrowed it down to 3 although I'm open to suggestions.  Here they are in order:

1)VPI Scout 21

2)MoFi ultra deck

3)Michell Technodec 

The VPI is 1 because it looks bad ass and has really good reviews. Draw back is that it doesn't include a cart so is getting a little pricey for me with the additional cost of a cart. Not to mention that I'm not sure where to start as far as carts go. The MoFi is intriguing because it can be purchased with their ultra gold cart for less than the cost of the VPI. Looks are but not as nice as the VPI. Both are USA  made. Third choice is the Michell.  Looks great too. No cart either. It seems like the VPI is also upgradable. One concern that I have is that whatever table I choose will be placed on my council next to my center channel with L and R towers and a sub on either side.  Not really any other options unfortunately. The VPI and the Michell have isolated drives. My concern is that the the table location will be prone to vibration and may effect any table with an isolated drive.  Is this a legit concern?  Center channel wouldnt be used while listening to LPs.  Would an isolation platter mitigate any adverse effects from adjacent towers and subs?  Am I over thinking this?....

sandrodg73
Post removed 
sandrodg73 OP
112 posts
 

Thanks all. Very helpful.  I think I'm going to steal clear of an isolated drive table as physical placement of the unit and my lack of knowledge would be an issue.  They sure look bad ass though. I think I'll keep an eye out for a used vpi as suggested by stringreen. MoFi is still in the running and I've added clearaudio.  I've got a slight problem spending playmoney on stuff made in 3rd world country's.  That's why I'm not considering technics.  I know they are a solid brand and I'm a frigging hypocrite because I own 2 RELs.. ..nobody's perfect.

Axpert, 

Thank you for you advice as well. Very informative, but I don't think flattire was trying to dissuade.  I think he was just giving honest advice from his experience,  and therefore not an idiot.   BTY...what that amp u posted?

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 

WOW! Let me get this straight, you want to buy a turntable, and what records are you planning on playing? New records? Do you even own one real record? When you spend money on a higher resolution turntable and then play horrible sounding copies and Repos and just plain bad made records from horrible master sources , No Bueno. Sure you can stick to the great companies like RTI, MFSL,Hot Stampers ect...and pay a lot! You might get lucky searching for old original clean records at the used record and antique stores and estate sales, Ya! So, if none of that scares you away, then get a 2 inch slab of granite cut big enough to put under the turntable,use small rubber washers under it so you wont have a vibration issue. And remember! The Phono Preamp is the gateway to great vinyl sound :-) Also, get a nice High output MC cartridge like a Dynavector 10X5 Highly recommended.

 

MATT M

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

If Vinyl becomes the go to Source, then in relation to the mechanics of the TT, interest in the importance for this area for Vinyl Replays will most likely have commenced to become an interest.

Speed is an early concern to come to the Forefront, a DD TT, certain TT of this drive has Speed pretty much nailed within the initial purchase cost.

Adding on a Speed Control Device to other Drive types for a TT, can add substantially to the cost of the set up. 

gemoody
137 posts
 

Keep in mind that the Skoll has balanced inputs, so you might consider a turntable that has balanced outputs. I have the Skoll, and I am happy with my Thorens TD 1601. I run a Nagaoka cartridge with it. I enjoy the arm lift and shutoff features.

 

 

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