The good old ARXA is the most musical and satisfying vintage table. It is also very forgiving of mediocre recordings. You do need to couple it with a good modern arm for best sound. Not so easy unless you are a capable doer, but certainly worth the effort. Their later versions, like the ES1 are easier in this regard. I had non audiophiles begging me to play more records at the Christmas party. My young and lovely wife was trying to turn it down as they all booed her. Live Doors, Live Allman Bro's, Cannonball Adderly, Satchmo, Dizzy, Willy...we rocked! They could not believe A: that this was vinyl, and B: that I have been using this same turntable since the early seventies. One guy was one of my roommates back then and couldn't believe this was the same table we all used to listen to. I have a pricey Well Tempered, but, still, the AR always puts a smile on my face.
Vintage or new turntable
I'd like to upgrade my turntable. I'm fairly new to vinyl, having recently won a nice entry level table. I've found that I really enjoy the whole vinyl process and am now ready for an upgrade. I'm trying to decide between a new, modern table or a restored AR or Thorens (perhaps from VinylNirvana) Budget would be approx. $1500, with cartridge. I like the looks of both the modern and vintage tables, so I'm wondering which would give me the best sound. Can anyone, with knowledge of both, offer advice on the sonic differences? I'm unable to hear a vintage table, so asking the forum. Thanks for any advice.
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- 18 posts total
- 18 posts total