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Which turntable should I buy?

Hi all,

In the next few months I'll be looking to spend up to $2500 on a turntable. I'm currently homed in on the VPI Scoutmaster, Nottingham Spacedeck and Thorens TD 850 and am having a hard time deciding between them based on specs and reviews. I have heard none of them yet. Before I make the rounds to the dealers or just pick a good deal, has anyone compared any of these side by side?

Any others I should be considering? This is my first TT since I was a kid. The rest of my system is a Supratek Chenin, Granite Audio 861 monos and Merlin VSM-M. My music tastes are varied but include jazz, electronica, female vocals, indie pop/rock even classical.

Many thanks!
nickatkins
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Nick, unfortunately, the Creature is not in the $2500 performance range you're looking--it's in the $5,000. Form follows function. I've listened to many belt drives and in your price range they can't compete with a *linear* quartz lock circuitry--period.

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ww129
1 posts
 
If you are willing to pay a little bit extra, go for a Micro Seiki RX3000 or RX5000. These TTs are built like tank with gun metal platter. You won't regret for owning one. BTW, you really need a strong HiFi rack to put the Micro Seiki on. My RX5000 (including the motor, 3 armboards with 3 arms, bronze matt, bronze record weight, and platter stabilizer) weights over 165 lbs, so to speak.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
Dear Nick: I totally agree with Ww129: the Micro Seiki RX 5000 is a great TT and beats easily the Teres and other " big names ".
You have to think serious about " the source " for your analog system: the phono cartridge, that's where all begin.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
artar1
159 posts
 
Ww129 and Raul,

Nick is looking to spend about $2,500 or so, not $25,000.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
Dear Artar1: Where do you get that number ( 25,000.00 )?
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul
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