2. analog
  3. 158590-148732

Need some turntable guidance

Hi,

I'm new here, so let me give you some background.

I'd say I'm more of a record collector than audiophile.  About 15 years ago, life happened and I had to re-purpose my dedicated listening room, so I put most of my gear in storage.  I now have my listening room back and I'm putting my system back together.

Here's what I have:

TT 1: VPI TNT 4 with TNT 5 bearing and flywheel, Eminent Technology ET 2.5 Tonearm, Supex SDX-1100 cartridge

TT 2: Denon DP-1250 with Magnepan Unitrack tonearm, Grado Reference Series cartridge

Phono transformer: Supex SDT-722

Preamp: PS Audio 5.0 preamp

Amp: Bryston 3B

Speakers:  Apogee Duetta II

The Denon was used to evaluate the condition of new purchases and some casual/background listening, so I'll probably leave that alone for now.

I'd like to "modernize" my system a little bit, but as a record collector, my initial focus is on the turntable.  I've been looking around, and seems I have several options.

1. Leave well enough alone, keep the table and arm as is.

2. Upgrade the VPI, I see there's an inverted bearing and platter upgrade available for TNT models, and sell off the current platter and bearing.

3. Sell off the TNT, and get something a bit less fussy as leveling the air suspension can be a bit of a pain.

If I sell, I'll probably want to keep the ET.

I'd appreciate any guidance I can get on this.

Thanks,

Ctor


ctor
sdrsdrsdr
196 posts
 
@chakster 

It is possible to put together a 301 more affordably. Still more than the budget we are talking about here. I prefer grease over oil bearing but an oil bearing 301 can be had in nice condition for under $2k. And even less for a 401. I sold a perfect grease recently for $3k Canadian dollars. And plinths can be purchased online for as low as $500. I had Steve Dobbins do a full service on the one I’m using now for a cost of $450 usd. 

Yes. Still more than the direct drive options. But not by that much. I do agree that the Luxman is a good choice as it is complete with plinth. I saw one in a shop recently for $2k Canadian dollars. ($1500 usd). It had an arm on it too. Can’t remember the arm. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I'm not upset I bought the 444 in 79, and I'm not at all upset I traded it in. Audiophilia is a journey, and I'm extremely happy with the musical enjoyment I've gotten out of my system over the years.

The OP asked for turntable guidance, i'm not sure your post could help someone if you tried Luxman in 1979, now we have much better phono stages, speakers, cables etc.  

I don't need, or even want two tonearms on my rig at the same time.

People have more enthusiasm at younger age I believe. However, It's not necessary to put two tonearms on Luxman, it can be used with one tonearm (any size). 

I'm glad you enjoy your system, but it doesn't make you look good to try and attack people who don't agree with you.

I never attack anyone, simple facts is what I post here, especially when other people asking for guidance. I don't like belt drive turntables as I said, but we have many more people who do not understand what is a high-end direct drive and posting nonsense about them, some models are completely unknown for them as i can see reading this forum.

An impression from a listening session made in 1979 is not valid today, many younger audiophiles re-discovering vintage Japanese direct drive and happy about them, prices only goes up. Direct drive perspective like almost everything in audio was a way different in 1979 than today (in the digital world and belt drive turntables) @xaak   


ctor OP
23 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the advice.  I've been enjoying getting back to my analog system and rediscovering some of my records.

I find myself wondering how I lived with digital only these past 15 years.  Probably because I don't really listen to digital stuff, it's just background.

Now I really can't wait to get my VPI/ET2.5 back up and running.
bpoletti
1,548 posts
 
Nothing wrong with your TTs or speakers.  Upgrade your electronics.  Get a better cartridge.  
terry9
2,325 posts
 
Bryston is fine gear, but a 3B is a 40 year old design! That's the first of five Bryston generations. Twenty years ago I had a 3BSST and 4BSST and they sounded very well with Magnepans, but my 3B was only usable for HT.

That's your first improvement, I say.
More to discover