Turntable Upgrade Advice


Hello all!

I am considering upgrading my Clearaudio Concept TT in the near future to something a little more substantial. I have a short list at the moment, so was wondering if anyone has any insight into these and whether or not they would be an upgrade worth the investment. 

1. Michell Gyrodec SE with Technoarm 2 ($5445)
2. Transrotor Darkstar with RB-330 ($5635)
3. Transrotor ZET 1 with RB-330 ($6365)
4. Nottingham Hyperspace with Ace-Space arm ($6590)

The Nottingham and ZET 1 are 'stretch' possibilities that are technically a little above my budget.

Mostly listen to Jazz on vinyl, but do play a variety of genres occasionally, if that makes any difference. 

128x128mmcgill829

Will you consider used?

Will you consider buying TT without arm and buying arm separately?

Interested in having TT with 2 tonearms?

This JVC 2 arm CL-P2 plinth is sold, but they are around from time to time. Awesome 7 layer plinth.

https://www.ukaudiomart.com/details/649402362-victor-jvc-clp2d-rosewood-plinth-for-tt71-tt81-tt101-direct-drive-turntablerare/images/1737855/

these Luxman PD-444 have a rear track system that allows 2 tonearms, rear left can be long, right side regular length. Start with 1, add a second if/when desired. I helped a friend buy the TT and two separate micro-seiki 505 arms, it's a very simple looking TT, but quite solid iron plates, unique reduced load DD motor,...

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649982315-luxman-pd-444-direct-drive-turntable/images/4468871/

Anyway, new, used, separate tonearm, multiple tonearms?

btw: I always advocate tonearms with removable headshell, so you can have a few headshells with a few cartridges mounted ready to go, i.e. MM Stereo; MM Mono; MC

Here's a beautiful (to me) Micro-Seiki 2 arm table I never saw before, arm on right is the arm I mentioned, Micro-Seiki 505. Easy arm height adjustment

Last photo shows it DOES have a dust cover. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195207470272?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=e124ddf2-f364-11ed-c0b4-323639306464

 

@elliottbnewcombjr I will consider lightly used (in fact, I typically search used before buying new), but not looking to buy vintage. I lack the ability or tools to deal with repairing or restoring them. I would prefer to buy with an arm already installed, if at all possible, as well. Just depends on how good the deal is though. I'd be willing to figure out the install if I could get a really great deal, but just prefer not to since I don't know what I am doing!

I don't typically have a need for multiple arms or cartridges, and prefer things to be minimal fuss. Would it be ideal to listen to mono albums with a mono cartridge? Sure, probably. Just not really something I personally care about right now. I'm kind of a set it and forget it person when it comes to tables, so I usually just run one cartridge and arm.

I definitely appreciate effort involved with all of that though!

Not sure about current pricing but maybe take a look at the Feickert Volare. As long as you have a good place to site it it is a great value with the Origin Live Silver and you can upgrade it later to a higher end model like the Encounter or Illustrious that will add significantly to the performance.