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

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.

@vinylshadow I have. The Resolution and Sovereign models seem pretty nice, but I can only find one dealer in the US that sells them online and they are pretty barebones with no descriptions or data or info on what comes with them (if anything). I'm assuming these are sold without arms, which would put the Sovereign out of my price range, but the Resolution could be possible depending on arm choice. I just don't know much about them at all.

@mijostyn The Michell has been one of my favorites for a long time (I really like the orbe as well, but it approaches $8500 new with the TechnoArm, which is beyond what I'd be able to budget - however, it is one I'd also be considering used if at a good price). 

Well @mmcgill829 Millercarbon is now an Origin Live dealer rep....

He has the Sovereign and said it's the best table he's ever heard... I'll be getting 1 as soon as I can. But their other tables are excellent as well. As well as their tonearms. You can always email OL and they will answer all your questions. 

Here is a great video with OL's designer Mark Baker:

https://youtu.be/q-g9kaybu0U

 

 

 

@mmcgill829 I have not heard the Concept in a familiar setup so cannot say for sure how it would compare but the Feikert is solidly built and, more importantly, comes with a superior tonearm in the OL Silver. Since the table comes in below your price point I would suggest using the money saved to move up the OL line to one of their dual pivot bearing arms, starting with the Encounter. This will yield long-term benefits and allow you to upgrade your cartridge over time without running into limitations brought about by an inferior arm. That said, the OL Silver is pretty darn good so you could, alternatively, throw the leftover dollars at a fine cartridge but this begs the question--what phonostage are you using?