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Need Advice On A New Turntable Upgrade

I am wanted to replace my Pro-Ject 5.1 turntable with a better turntable.

I have started listening to vinyl again after years of digital only.

I have a dealer locally that carries VPI, Acoustic Signature and Oracle.

Trying to keep it under 5000,00 including cartridge.

The VPI Prime I was looking at seems to be a great turntable but it is pretty wide and I would have to modify my audio rack which is not a big deal and I am not sure I like the motor separate from the table (I have a cat). I liked the looks of the VPI Classic, a few are still available but discontinued. One dealer I know was very critical of the VPI but I cannot find anything bad about them besides his opinion (he carries Acoustic Signature but not VPI but he is a very reputable dealer).

The Acoustic Signature seems to be a nice turntable. I was looking at the WOW XL. I used to have an old Oracle Alexandria but long gone. The Oracle have some new models but not sure I like the lighted base. I have a LFD Integrated amp and LFD phono stage and Harbeth 30.1 speakers.Any help on a turntable among these or another I might have missed and a cartridge would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

128x128dylanfan
chayro
2,984 posts
 
If I can make a suggestion - before you upgrade, try a Herbies mat on the 5.1.  I have never heard a mat make so much difference on a turntable.  Not that it's not worth upgrading, but just give the Herbies a shot.  You also might want to replace the stylus.  The Goldring it came with is not a bad MM cart at all and it deserves a fresh tip if you want to get back into vinyl.  
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 

My turntable has a Sumiko Blue Point cartridge.

I am keeping it to play records that are not in that great of shape and the new one is to play high quality audio pressings and new albums.

photodusty
100 posts
 
I went from the Project RPM to a VPI Scout and could not be happier.

db
austinbob
235 posts
 
I think the Classic 1 is a great value. The Prime is probably slightly better, but the Classic is 75% of the cost and you can buy an excellent cartridge with the difference. 
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,667 posts
 

Another option is the Garrard 301/401 or Thorens TD124 with a custom plinth and an arm of your choice. you could easily get a wonderful set up for your budget and be happy for ever, with tons of upgrade paths for the future. I went from an oracle Delphi MK 4 system to a Garrard 301, custom bamboo plinth, Jelco 12" arm and my Van Den Hull MC10 cart (just made it with a light weight head shell for compliance), and some steal pin points for isolation. After refreshing the very good shape Garrard 301 grease bearing I found total costs worked out to. Note; Canadian cost so lower by 30% for US$. Payed $2000 for the one owner Garrard 301, $1100 for the Jelco arm and light weight head shell (New price), $800 for the plinth I had a local gentleman who makes these custom make one for me but you can find great ones for less money then that. $250 for the isolation pin points. all set under $5000 Canadian so room for a great cart to toss on. Its much more musical then the Oracle ever was and I loved that table had it for over a decade. look at my profile for pictures. I would highly recommend this approach but its not for everyone of course.


link of mine playing one of the first times after finishing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TotrPBLePUY


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