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Should I keep the Turntable or sell it?

I’ve been back and forth on this decision for about a month, and the more I learn, the harder this decision gets.

Backstory: I won the brand new Cambridge Audio Alva TT turntable in an online contest in mid-May, and while it sounds great, I decided to list it for sale a couple weeks ago. I’ve always wanted to try out a Rega P6 or P3 with a really nice cart, because I feel like I’m not getting enough out of my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. Prior to winning the Alva TT, I switched the Red Ortofon out for the Blue, and there was a great improvement in sound quality. But after comparing the Pro-Ject to the Alva TT and hearing what a $1700 turntable can sound like, I definitely am interested in exploring more high fidelity turntables. The issue is that I feel like I prefer the sound of tubes over solid state, and the Alva TT uses an integrated Alva Duo phono preamp for the RCA out, and their own DAC for the Bluetooth out if I want to go that route. I don’t have a ton of experience with tubes, and maybe it’s just the “cool factor” I actually like and I’m just having a placebo effect.

So I decided to list it for sale to try and get a Rega, because I heard so many great things about them. But over the last week or so, I’ve learned more about the Alva TT and how it uses Rega’s famous tonearm. I looked up the cart and it is listed at $500 separately, which is probably why it sounds better than the Pro-Ject w/ Ortofon Blue. I’ve also read on these boards about direct drive being better than belt, which the Alva has as well. It also has the added bonus of Bluetooth that go directly to my KEF LS50 Wireless, but I would most likely just use interconnects.

So I would love to get some advice from you all. I’ve gone back and forth about keeping the Alva or selling it, along with my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, and buying/trading for something like a Rega P3 or P6. If you had my first world problem, what would you do?
bignamehere
bignamehere OP
56 posts
 
@boofer lol... yes, it was quite the train wreck at first, but many folks on here offered great ideas and information. I’ve decided to try and trade in my two units for either a Marantz TT-15S1 or a Rega P3 with Exact cart. The Music Hall 7.3 came in third place for my preferences. I feel like there has been a number of comparisons on the web with these two units, and it comes down to which audio dealer will make me the best trade offer for one of those tables.

In the end, I know I will be happy with either of those two tables. 

But of those two options, which one would you personally go with?
durkn
70 posts
 
Still looking for advice?
It doesn't have to be direct drive to sound good.
Settle with Technics or go right the first time & go VPI

andrei_nz
192 posts
 
I definitely am considering a Marantz TT-15S1 because of the Clearaudio Virtuoso cat. I have heard really good things about both, but not actually listened either. My plan originally was to sell both the Alva and the Pro-Ject, which ideally would give me enough for a $1500 table with cart.

I had a Marantz TT-15S.  I liked its minimalism.  Forum members (different forum) extolled the virtues of a SL1200 and I gave into that.  Looking back from a distance it was a no-brainer.  A Direct Drive is so much fuller.  (You only have to look at the chink in the belt on the Marantz) The ease of use too, is a benefit of the Technics.  I was very happy with it and did many upgrades.  They look so cool too and I actually put one in my office (Property Lawyer) and it makes a great  centerpiece!  

As a general remark though I would say that vinyl is fun but to get good sound - and you really can get good sound - you have to invest time or dosh.  My HI-Fi story is that I have spread myself a bit thin on sources (PC, TT, Disc Spinner).  Have one good source and save dosh that can go to amp or speakers.

flynnrd
41 posts
 
“Contest winner?” Could anything possibly sound more like a shill? Have the dealers/owners just stopped trying?  Who ever wins a “contest” that isn't CHOSEN to win the “contest?” No one.
So I say, to help the common man, get the Rega! Even though I’m a VPI guy, myself... This site could rapidly devolve into a grifter’s paradise with posts like these! 


stevencason
94 posts
 
OP to do a true comparison of your rig to another one it is necessary to get the same cartridge on both tables and then compare the same music between the two.
To be honest I agree with the folks who have recommended you wait a bit before spending a bunch of cash. 

At the end of the day it doesn't matter what any of us tells you.  If you are satisfied with the sound you are getting then your system is made of Gold. 

Have fun with the hobby.
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