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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

 

musicmatters1206
Post removed 
herman
2,259 posts
 

Consider the Merrill-Williams REAL. A number of dealers were using them to demo their equipment at AXPONA and it sounded very detailed and tuneful. You might also look at Clearaudio and Acoustic Signature. 

Dealers may have stock of the Merrill but the table is discontinued. The 101.4 was announced but as far as I know never released

kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
274 posts
 

Looks like you are getting an RP-10.  Unfortunate that you do not find the 1200 G attractive.

I could care less about the looks.  I do not need the adjustable speed and all the strobes and flashing lights.  The cover with its little dome is hard to clean and looks ridiculous.  The whole thing screams '80s disco (I hate disco).

The 1200 G is the best turntable on the market in its price range.

lewm
13,163 posts
 

boothroyd, Thanks for mentioning that Clearaudio use Panzerholz in their upper end plinths.  I did not know that.  But perhaps that is the exception that proves the rule; can you name any other high volume manufacturers that use Panzerholz or a like material?  Please don't confuse my impression of scarcity for one of disapproval.  I am quite sure that Panzerholz is an excellent choice for a build material, but I just don't think it is now or ever will be widely used by the mainstream.

hilroy48
162 posts
 

I have a Marantz TT15-S1 with a gold ring Eroica XL MC cart. I just ordered a Jeff Spall Tone arm for it. $2000.00 tone arm upgrade will be my end game table.

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