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

@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.

@dodgealum with the origin live silver, it comes in at $3995 new, which is a fair amount less than the other options I listed above. Is it a significant step above the clearaudio concept? 

Go with the Michell. It is a lot of turntable for the money and the arm is excellent. I think it is just as good if not better than the other turntables you mentioned.