big fan of idlers. I have two from Woodsong Audio, but complete resto would almost certainly exceed your budget. But the one I’ve attached from Aural Hifi might work.
End Game Turntable suggestions
Hello all, looking for insights to help me narrow down to some core choices; I am open to new or preowned. My system details can be seen under my profile.
In summary I have significantly expanded my vinyl collection and as of now I am looking to purchase an end game turntable appropriate for my setup. As you can see I use Mola Mola Kaluga Monos, and I really like the Zesto Pre and Phonostages. I find the class D/tube pre combination very pleasing.
I would appreciate suggestions for around $5-8K (table + arm), new or used. I will have separate budget for cartridge. One preferred option (but not must-have) is universal voltage, as I may move the unit to Europe later. My current vintage turntable (Project Perspective) is 22 years old, and while I don't know how to compare to something really amazing, I can say that my setup is lacking detail and bass. The tonearm is terrible to keep aligned. Based on visits to Axpona and Cap Audio Fest and other research, I am thinking of a few in my budget, but will really value your suggestions of other brands:
- Origin Live Sovereign
- VPI Signature
- SAM Sinner
- Thorens TD 1601 (semi automatic)
Visual appeal is important to me (which is why Technics 1200 is not on my list despite great reviews everywhere). I love the idea of set it and forget it DD tables, but unfortunately mostly out of my budget (eg VPI HW-40 going for abt 11K used)....
Sorry for the long post but my hope is this background and help solicit good suggestions. Thanks
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@musicmatters1206 I have no idea if VPI has replacement motors for the HW-40 but they probably do. It is the most expensive part of the HW-40 I am told. FWIW I have an arm lifter on mine that works great. It is the Technics one but I cannot remember the mode. It was not expensive. |
@musicmatters1206 I have a SOTA Sapphire with an Origin Live Silver tonearm. I love it. I don't need to buy another table. If I need something better just upgrade to a a Kuzma 4 point 9. As it sits now it will take any cartridge I can throw at it up to $3k.
The Sapphire and the Nova are sister tables. The difference is the Nova has a stiffer sub chassis (plinth). Both tables have been offered with their vacuum platter. Currently it is a $1225 option on the Nova ($5050). So a Nova with a vacuum platter is $6275 without a tonearm.
The best way to order a turntable from SOTA is the old fashioned way...over the phone. You can ask about a Sapphire with a vacuum platter. You can also pick your tonearm and cartridge.
I can also say SOTA'S customer service is top notch. I also got to meet Donna Bodenet the owner. She didn't want to ship my turntable. I live less than an hour away. It was a beautiful Sunday drive. |
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- 187 posts total