End Game Turntable suggestions

@mijostyn thanks for the good advice, I can see how the inferior cartridge will just gather dust. I don't play 78's. Much appreciated.

@pindac thanks for pointing me to the OL Sovereign, I need to check about service issues that seem to have been talked about here. But the Sovereign/Illustrious combo is appealing.

I own both a VPI 19-4 for 78s and a VPI TNT VI w/modified SME IV arm.   I would recommend a VPI turntable; however, the TNT has awful footers (now resting on a Townshend Seismic Sink-maybe a Townshend platform in the future).  Make certain that the VPI you buy has either good anti-vibration footers or be prepared to spend a little more for vibration isolation (like the reasonably priced Townshend platform). 

Several friends own the Scout+ and Aries+ using Dynavector cartridges and get great sound.  They also state that the 20X2 H is the best all-rounder because it plays all LPs well.  One has the latest karat D and another the XX2.  Neither are all rounders like the 20X2.  I decided not to spend $3-4K on a replacement for my Benz Ruby3 and purchased the Dynavector 20X2 L (better highs/resolution).  Wow, a bargain and fantastic into a standard 100 ohm loading.  It works into my EAR 864, EAR 324 and as stepped up into my Allesso SUT.  That's my recommendation (I've gone hi-end with those components at a low cost-the EAR 864 has great NOS tubes, Stillpoint UltraSS footers and a Synergistic Research blue fuse with superb cabling-all necessary to elevate the pre-amp to high end status).  

As for a Pz plinth, it depends where the vibration happens. I use an air thrust bushing, that's an air cushion in all 3 dimensions, so my platter bearing noise is literally nil. So I don't need Pz for a platter board. Instead, I need rigidity and speed of sound to connect the bushing to the tonearm.

But my motor does produce vibration, so I have a heavy Pz slab to anchor the motor, and then isolation to isolate that from the main board, also Pz, which supports everything. This is unlike some who don't bother to engineer the interface between motor and platter - but ignoring the problem doesn't make it go away.

Anyhow, Pz for motor board and Pz for the main board connecting the motor and platter boards. Works for me. YMMV

Interesting the air cushion bearing being referred to.

During the past 18 Months I have shared a few emails with an individual about works being undertaken on a Vintage TT, to improve on the OEM Performance.

Today at this end and their end similar things have evolved for the design.

A Bearing design being produced is to be a complete rethink of the original, and a step quite different to some of the email exchanges.

The design is now based on a Air Film as a separator at the interfaces between parts on the Bearing Housing.

I believe this new direction is now in practice, as my own and this individuals thoughts has been that a Hydrodynamic Lubrication is a challenge and will be difficult to maintain.

This individual also makes there own platters for the TT model, as an addition to this there is also to be a Mag Suspension produced in conjunction with the New Bearing Design.

Densified Wood is now adopted by this individual and they are giving it a High Appraisal as a Plinth material in relation to other materials used for a Plinth with recognised and valued damping properties.