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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
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

In relation to Looks Matter - In relation to ones 'better half' showing a tolerance for a item to be used for the occasional replay of recorded music using a a Archaic Medium to produce the facsimile of the recorded data when the Stylus is reading the Modulations.

The device required to enable this type of replay to occur soon becomes a Dust Collecting Carbuncle in the Space they are trying to have a feel good factor about.

The Archaic Medium on show will be as welcome as a Naked Picture of ones Mothering Law above the Marital Bed Head Board.

Man Caves are Marriage Savers for good reasons.

Every Man with a Partner Sharing their Living Space needs a Man Cave or alternatively, a Friend who is salvaging their own relationship through having a with  Man Cave, hopefully their is a Friend who has shared interests. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
drrsutliff
858 posts
 

I would recommend revisiting the ClearAudio option.  I have owned VPI, Techniques, Origin Live, among others and had a ClearAudio Concept Air on extended loan recently.  It performed at a level well above my expectations and had very non intrusive aesthetics. 

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,426 posts
 

I bought my First TT in 1973 AR X1 Shure cart from Crazy Eddies cost $99 bucks.Sold it didn't like the manual.Next bought a Technics SL 1350 with Shure V15 111 cart cost $389. buck...I still own it.But sold all my Lps in 2012.Bought a Fluance 85 with Ortho Blue $400.but I don't like getting up at the end of the record. Bought alot of Mofi 45 rpm lps. I'm not going out and buying a 3,500 plus 1,500  cart.I'm retired 72 and don't have the money.

sandrodg73 OP
116 posts
 

Landed on the Rega Planar 8.  Not only rated well and recomended by my local hi fi store( shout out to Saturday Audio In Chicago) but the minimalist design fits my living space.  I'm a little apprehensive because it is such a minimalist design and so light that it kinda feels cheap. Initial listening on less than stellar LPs has me liking what I'm hearing however. Im using a Hana EH MC HO cart with a Schiit Skoll pre.  

kerrybh
145 posts
 

Congrats. I had a Rega Planar 6 and it performed very well. I'm sure the 8 is even better. I think Rega intends to take every unnecessary ounce out of their tables-part of their theory. I think you will enjoy the vinyl experience. Everyone has different preferences but you clearly have thought this through and I hope you have many hours of happy listening. Also hope you have a good used record store nearby. Enjoy

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