2. analog
  3. 126251-489

My final table , hopefully !

Back in the 80's I was seduced to the digital side ! At first it was lovely . But then , I became hooked , it got cold and ugly .  After a lot of work and many years , I was able to get onto the recovery road to analogdom .

I returned with a MMF 5.1 turntable and stock cartridge . Oh that warm cozy feeling , I missed you so ! 

 But now , as luck would have it , I want MORE !  More dynamics , more detail , more extension , more rich tone and above all else more of that sensuous musicality . I've grown old , fat and out of shape since I quit tapping my toes , bobbing my head , playing air guitar & and dancing around the room ! I'm greedy and I want it all !

Unfortunately , my addictions have forced me to the land of the small budget . I need to stay in the 2K + 3K range . If I can trade in my MMF 5.1 table and cartridge , that would help .


I would like to spend a majority of my money on the table and arm . I need a faithful dog , a table that will stick with me through thick & thin and never leave my side . To grow older with me without the need for attention . I am a set it & forget it / plug n play kind of guy . I want to listen to music , not futz with stuff . I am not able to go out and hear a lot of stuff so my ideas come from the net ...and my help comes from you !

I have read that different manufacturers tables have different sound characteristics . How much of this can be attributed to the arm and cartridge used ? How much can it be altered ? I prefer classic rock , singers & songwriters , contemporary blues , Detroit soul and classical . Not much for Disco ,  Rap , Techno or Hip Hop .

While most tables have an upgrade path , I would like to refrain from taking it . Again the plug n play / set it & forget it attitude .


Here is what I have come up with , in no special order :

VPI Prime - the most expensive , comes with the 3D arm .

Well Tempered Amadeus MKII - comes with the golf ball arm .

Avid Diva II

Sota Saphire V - no real need for a suspension system as I am on a slab .

Sota Saphire III - refurbished , again no real need for the suspension system . 

Origin Live Calypso MkIII

Looking at the Jelco 750D arm for some of these tables .


Thank You .

Saki70


saki70
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

Terry9, while I'm familiar with the different sounds of cartridges in the same price range, I'm not familiar with the different sounds of turntables in the same price range. Since you seem to have had a number of tables, could you comment on the different ones that were rated Class A or B by Stereophile.

Although those ratings are not etched in stone, I consider them valid, and that's from experience.

Most people compare apples to oranges by comparing a more expensive table to a less expensive table, but I'm talking about different tables in the same price range, as well as in the same Stereophile rating range.

If you have that much experience, I'll be looking forward to your answer.
berhart
32 posts
 
Used RP 8-done
berhart
32 posts
 
Forgot- Koetsu Black cartridge 
Purrfect for your style of music.
Throw in a little Jazz while your at it.
oregon
814 posts
 
Consider a Lenco.It is a beast of a table. Built like a tank and super stable. 
 As an idler wheel drive, built in the 70s, the Lenco is a table that is still used by audiophiles around the world. Check out Lenco Heaven on the web.
 The Rega arm is an excellent choice and it's affordable. 
Your vinyl and your ears will appreciate it.
tdybare1
13 posts
 
     I own a Sota Nova with a Pete Riggle "The Woody " tonearm and Grado Statement 1 cartridge. All I can say is musical bliss! I listen to rock like you and this is an amazing setup! If you can afford one of the Sota turntables I highly recommend this tonearm. Find it at vtaf.com. I was also looking at a VPI table inically because of all the great reviews. I spoke with a gentlemen who sold both brands and he said that most people come in wanting a VPI, but once they hear a Sota the VPI tables are totally forgotten. I highly recommend that you get a Sota even with a Rega arm they're amazing. Also go for the vacuum hold down tables if you can. This will be your last table! You'll never want another table! I can gaurantee it! Peace!
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