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Turntable cost:benefit

I read the new Garrard 301 review in the current "Stereophile" with great interest, especially as my father owned one which he jettisoned decades ago...most unfortunately. Anyway, appealing as the re-issue is, the cost is punitive, as noted by the author.

With that preamble, I'm interested in forum members' thoughts on the cost:benefit ratio of a high priced turntable for a modest vinyl collection. In my case, that's around 800 LPs. Another reason I'm curious is that I have a friend who simply "decided to get into vinyl" and bought a ~$15k turntable plus a comparably priced tonearm + cartridge. He owned zero vinyl at the time of the purchase. Now I think he has about 20 "audiophile" pressings to enjoy on that TT.

To answer my own question, I can't justify a turntable at that price level for my own vinyl collection. Actually, I can't really summon up a compelling argument for such a purchase. Plus, I'm quite content with my  VPI HW-19 Mk 2 (though a better cartridge would be attractive).

Assuming disposable funds are not the absolute deciding factor and other components in your system are good enough to support a high end TT, what size record collection do readers think justifies a turntable costing over some arbitrary (say around $3000 for the purposes of argument) threshold? Is that even a consideration?
kacomess
larryi
4,038 posts
 
I don't think it is at all possible to come up with a "rational" estimate of this sort for any kind of purchase.  If you have only a few albums that you are crazy about, it might make sense, to you, to get a great table.  I would spend quite a bit even if I were forced to pare my collection down to something like my favorite 100 albums.  

As for the 301, the price for these refurbished tables is extremely high, given that you can still get the same table in reasonable condition on the used market for a lot less, but, in terms of performance, it is a competitive table when compared to modern high end tables.  If you value highly sound that is  dynamic and punchy, and you are forgiving of some noise, it is a better selection than a lot of expensive belt drive tables.  I own an expensive belt drive table, but, I can see the appeal of top notch idlers like the Garrards, Thorens 124 and Lenco tables.

The bad news for owners of vintage 301 and 401 tables is that the newly manufactured replacement parts that use to come from Loricraft will no longer be available except to those who own the "new" (actually refurbished) tables.  It is time to scour the market for motor bushings and rubber motor mounts, etc.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Cost is all relative - balancing your means and what you value in life.  Cookie cutter assessments relative to self-reflective definitions of value only apply to you.  How much is too much to spend to nurture one's soul?
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

If you're 100% satisfied with the turntable and cartridge, then it wouldn't matter if you had 800 or 8000 LPs.

Are you wanting a new cartridge because you think you should spend more on one, proportionally, than the one you have now, or are there performance features that you think or know could be improved?

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,690 posts
 
I'll sell you my 301 for much less then that ;-)



kacomess OP
199 posts
 
Hello, again!
To clarify once more, my original posting was simply an abstract question open for discussion and opinion.

To rephrase it: I posed the question about factoring the size of an existing vinyl collection into the decision as to whether or not purchasing a high-end TT is "worthwhile", as opposed to keeping a more modest player. Seemingly, the answer is that the number of LPs is not germane to that decision

I'm not looking for any upgrades now or in the near-term future. If I were to personally upgrade anything for my vinyl system it might/maybe/potentially/possibly be the cartridge as I (correctly or not) think that component may provide the most "bang for the buck" assuming the rest of the system is reasonably good.
Thanks for your comments,KAC
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