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Most hyped turntable, tonearm, and cartridge?

Which turntable, tonearm, and cartridge do you think are most hyped?

One of my friends who owns Garrard 301, Thorens 124 and EMT ?? told me that those three vintage turntables are as good as one can get for the price points, beating most modern turntables costing under $10K. However, I've also read that Garrard 301 is over hyped.
My friend also insists that Ortofon RMG 309 tonearm and the original SPU Silver Meister (not MKii) are best for Garrard and Thorens. I wonder whether the Ortofon arm and SPU cartridge are over rated. 
Your thought?
128x128ihcho
fedie
60 posts
 
I own a Aries turntable that I bought 20 years ago , Harry told me in a conversation . That the paint job on it ,which is triple piano black ,would increase the price , make that double what I paid,To make it today, l still own it. But always looking . Now let’s see. ENJOY
robert_1
49 posts
 
OK. My turntable is better than your turntable, my turntable is better than your turntable. Come on sing along. My turn.....
ferrox
86 posts
 
Sota Sapphire V with proper setup and affordable arm / cart, will sound wonderful as well. 
rcronk
52 posts
 
Excellent early point made:  don't mess with antiques! if you have a choice.  I run 2 full systems at home.  One is a 1978 fully maintained and updated Thorens TD-160 with Ortofon MM Bronze cart.  The other is a new Rega 6 with the same cart.  The Rega is now at about $3,000 with addtitions like a tone arm lifter and high end belt and the Thorens is about $2,500 with many up dates too.  I have loved the Thorens for over 25 years and the Rega for much less.
Most important difference is in the "material science" and advances made in everything down to how they 'draw copper wire' has changed.  If I could replace everything on the Thorens with the same materials used on the Rega and I would have the best ever.  
If my house burned down tomorrow and I moved into a new place and could replace one set of stereo gear, I would buy the Rega.  In a heart beat.  Old loves are dear, but old.  I am old and I know it is not to be desired.  Inch for inch and dollar for dollar the new stuff is way, way better if you shop smart.  As long as you stay with analogue and vinyl it is hard to get it too wrong.  
P.S.  I am a fussy listener but cannot really tell the difference in music once you get much over $3,000 into a turntable.  Fantastically expensive equipment does much to impress, but not by the sound.  This is ever more true about old equipment.    
sokogear
1,088 posts
 
Agree with rcronk 100%. Exceptions are appliances for the home like washers dryers and refrigerators and water heaters. They are not made as well as ones 25 years ago.
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