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Do I buy an upscale TT?

I recently heard a $50K TT at a friend’s and was floored by the performance.


It was a sound from a system I have never heard.

I have a very nice Woodsong Garrard 301, Tri-Planar arm and Grado Epoch 3 cartridge. Going into an Atma-Sphere MP-1 pre wt phono.

Discovered an affordable TT based on the Legendary Commonwealth idler drive TT (said to be among the best). One is $8500 and the other more elaborate one is $15K.

And there is another highly modified brass Garrard 401 for $10K. (said to be as good as the Commonwealth)

The big question is whether or not I am going to be pleased with the improvement in sound? There will certainly be a lot of hassle to change TTs!

mglik
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,827 posts
 

lug your TT to the friends…….

i agree on refining your thinking about what was different…..and discerning how that relates to strengths  / deficiencies in your gear and or setup….

Enjoy the music and the journey…

 

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riie
209 posts
 

Just buy the same gear as your friend.

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Stick with what you have! The 301/Tri-Planar/Grado Epoch is truly excellent - and very costly! Spending more $$$ beyond this is a waste of money! If you want to hear a real change buy a better pair of speakers.

terry9
2,229 posts
 

IMO, the turntable is the most important part of the vinyl system. You already have a fine tonearm and cartridge - let them sing! Be sure to audition an air bearing TT, air thrust and air sleeve. Air for both, if you can find one.

Once you have heard air, there is no going back. IMO.

But others like Mike Lavigne also have very good advice.

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