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
re your #3 (Vintage TTs), yes, there are turnkey solutions, and at least in the case of idler drive TTs, they are extraordinarily low maintenance, which is why they were often used in radio stations, and why so many have lasted for 60+ years. Here is one turnkey provider, whom I’ve used for my Garrard 401 (the blue one on his website), and, most recently, my Thorens td-124 (platter finished in grigio silvertone, with a figured mahogany plinth):
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Beautiful! Also if you’re in the market for an idler, check out Matt from Audio Grail. He he specializes in Garrard 301 and 401 and works a lot with Cusworth plinths which are hand shaped and jointed. |
