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Upgrade Opinions, Thorens vs VPI

I'm looking to possibly upgrade to a better turntable.

My current setup is a Thorens TD166 MKII with the original tp11 tonearm. The table has a few mods including a solid cherry plinth and birch bottom with sorbothane feet. It also came with the 10mm spindle bearing, same one used on the TD160.

Amp: Rogue audio Sphinx 
Preamp: MM preamp built into the Sphinx
Cartidge: Shure M97xe with SAS stylus
Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver 8

The components listed above are my recent upgrades. I now think my table is due for an upgrade. 

I am considering installing a Jelco SA750D tonearm on my Thorens, since the tonearm is likely the weakest performing part of the table, or going with a completely new table.

I am considering the following tables:

Rega Planar 3 (possibly not a big leap?)

Rega RP8

VPI Classic 1 

Acoustic Signature Wow XL with Rega arm.

I am leaning toward the VPI, partly because I really like its look, but I do want the best sounding table under $3000 (subjective I know). Overall, I'm pleased with the current sound from my Thorens, so maybe the best bang for my buck would be a new tonearm. Some members have claimed that a Debut Carbon will blow the doors of a TD166, but in my personal experience, it's the opposite. So I'm thinking I'd probably need to spend over 1K for a real sonic upgrade over my Thorens.

Anyone have experience with VPI tables versus Thorens TD16X series? Any advice is welcome.
helomech
helomech OP
1,722 posts
 
Thank you Mat, that's good to know. 

Haven't taken delivery of the table yet, can't wait to get it spinning.

Tablejockey,

What kind of phono stage are you using?

tablejockey
3,940 posts
 
Helomech-I misinterpreted your post about your acquisition. I thought you
purchased the Classic SIGNATURE. I see you have regular Classic...
Big difference in specs between the 2. Especially price$$$!!!!

That being the case, you still got a good deal. As MW stated, a nice cart is the way to go with this model.

Regarding phono stage-over time I decided I prefer an all tube presentation in my audio system. I have a out of production Fosgate, version 2. It was a $2.5K retail unit. I purchased mine nearly 4 years ago. The Manley Chinook and Rogue Ares are among the current units in this price point which are very nice. Recently I demoed a Chinook against the Fosgate. The Chinook is quieter, but I thought the Foz had more realistic overall sonics. A little tube hiss at VERY high volume, so not an issue for me. A couple of other units that look interesting especially for the price-Decware and Tavish.

I see you are using your existing amps  built in, so I don't know if you have enough gain for LOMC? You can still use a HOMC 2.5mv  with a MM output.

Enjoy your new table. FWIW, I use no mat on platter and use a little antiskate.These are 2 issues beaten to death on VPI tables.

  



stewart0722
184 posts
 
I used a high output benz S on my Classic 1 that I sold several years back.....

VPI tables, both with 3D as well as the metal JMW Arms are very agreeable with Ortofon carts.....

I think you would find the color you're after with the 2M black, but I wouldn't buy any cart used..........all VPI dealers can get Ortofon thru VPI...and you should be able to get a new one w/ support in the 5s, as you've said......if you decide to move beyond that, I'd look @ Soundsmith, but you're not going to improve on the 2M Black by much....

I would pick this outstanding MM cart over any HOMC
helomech OP
1,722 posts
 
Thanks tablejockey, 

The classic Signature was over my budget. 

I'm now considering a Soundsmith Carmen or Grado Sonata2 which would work with my current phono stage.
tablejockey
3,940 posts
 

I have only heard the top dog-Strain Gauge and Sussuro Soundsmith carts.They naturally, were amazing. Likely the rest of the line is similar in their price points.
 
I had the Zephyr in mind when choosing the ART 9. The SS carts are a great match with VPI. At the time, the only reason I chose the ART9 is because I liked the sound of the existing cart-ATOC9III. Figuring the ART9 would improve on the weaknesss of the OC9, it was a gamble that payed off. If I ever get the itch, I would like to try the Aida or Zephyr MIMC.



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