2. analog
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Forever turntable under $2000

In search of: forever turntable.

I'm currently looking to upgrade from my existing Pro-Ject RPM 1.3 to a table that I will (hopefully) never grow out of. I'm looking for something that is *technically* competent, something where I know the engineering is extremely solid and "timeless," and provides a good analog platform to swap carts with. My budget for this is $1600 with cart (but up to $2000 if there's a good case for it). The rest of my system is as follows:

* LSA 2.1 Statement speakers

* Schiit Gumby DAC

* Schiit Freya preamp

* Adcom GFA555 power amp

* Schiit Mani phono stage

So far, I have looked into the Rega P6 (or a used RP6), a Clearaudio Concept, a variety of Pro-Ject offerings, and a Michell Technodec... but at this level there are so many choices, its hard to know where to start. Any ideas? Thanks!
primarist
helomech
1,677 posts
 
Some outside the box options: 

MoFi Ultradeck

Oracle Origin

Vinyl Nirvana TD-160 Super

Funk Firm Little Super Deck

Soon to be released (allegedly) Schiit SOL

Any number of pre-owned $4K tables being sold for <$2K

jasonsim
113 posts
 
I'd look for a nice used TT like @wspohn suggested.  I like VPI personally.  Clearaudio looks nice too, but never heard one.  A used VPI Prime would be ideal.  
glupson
7,842 posts
 
"Sine waves can not be stored digitally and still faithfully resemble a clean waveform."
The text mentioned (“Sine waves stored in ROM are used for the control waveforms at constant speed, and this achieves smoother and more stable rotation”) does not talk about clean waveform, but about smoother and more stable rotation. Both being relatives, "better when compared to..." in some way. It is definitely a marketing description, but does not promise eternal accuracy.
glupson
7,842 posts
 
When it comes to reliability, pretty much everyone agrees that old Technics have been quite durable. New ones may not be and time will tell. However, the same is true for old ones that are pushing 40 years now. What will last longer starting from today? 40-year-old turntable or a new one?

Technics SL-1200 did not start as a DJ turntable. It got adopted by DJs. Not all were used hard. Many have lived a decent home life.
glupson
7,842 posts
 
sleepwalker65,
"...everyone knows that silicon is a crystalline element that is as far from being compliant and vibration damping..."
Could the trick be that Technics does not use silicone, but silicone rubber?

I have a hard time believing that their marketing material did not get proofread by someone technically adept. It would be unexpected that someone can design multiple widely-praised machines and have no clue what she/he is talking about.
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