2. analog
  3. 191015-20132

Clearaudio Concept with Satisfy Tonearm or Technics 1200 GR

Hello all,
I need some advice.
I have a VPI Aries 1 which is my main turtbale but alas the motor is having some issues and will need to be repaired.  For a while I was thinking of getting a turntable for my second system and now seems like a good time as I can use this turntable in the main system while I wait for the repair to be done.
So I have a chance to get either of the turntables I mentioned for the same price- the Clearaudio would be used while the Technics would be factory refurbished.  

Of the 2 what would you think is the better performer?  I assume it will be close, and maybe just a matter of preference, but I would be curious to hear your opinions. 
(Btw, I just read the Stereophile review of the newer GR2- while the review was positive I thought it was also useless.  To me a review should, among other things,  always try to put the product in question within the context of other available alternatives,  Instead, the comparison was with a vintage Thorens.  Apologies for the gripe but seriously....)

Many thanks as always!

pgastone
pgastone OP
79 posts
 

This absolutely helps!!!!!!
This is exactly the feedback I was looking for.
Can't thank you enough.
I suppose using the satisfy tonearm may go some way to improve Concept (at least from what I read) but even then it sounds like 1200gr is the way to go.   Also, form what I understand there are a series fo treaks to imorive the sound even further by swapping out the mat (Achromat seem to be the one many recommend) and the heashell.
Out of curiosity do you use a record weight with yours?

 

testpilot
929 posts
 

VPi sells replacement motors which can be swapped out in minutes.  You might not need an interim TT

helomech
1,673 posts
 

The upper end Clearaudios are good tables, but the entry level Concept is nothing special. Subjectively, the 1200GR competes well against belt-drive tables in the $3.5K-$5K range. The Concept competes well against other <$2500 belt-drives.

Objectively, the GR’s measured performance is as good or better than that of most belt-drives around and above the $10K price point, for example, the SME12.

Once you get your Aries repaired and can conduct a level-matched comparison with the GR, you might just end up with the latter as your “main” rig. 

newfzx7
53 posts
 

@pgastone 

I haven't tried any other mats, I do use a turntable clamp and I did notice an improvement. The only other tweak I have done is add a KAB tonearm damper and to be honest I'm not sure if it made any difference.

pgastone OP
79 posts
 

This is great, thank you!

@testpilot 

Yes absolutely- it should be am easy fix- this is just pushing me to pull the trigger on a 2nd turntable for my more modest office system.

 

@newfzx7 

Right, very good to know re record weight.  And I will be very curious to compare the technics.


The other I idea I had toyed with was a Sota Sapphire- but older ones would almost certainly need to be tuned-up, have springs replaces etc.  However, the attractive side to Sotas is that they have an upgrade path to bring their decks to state of the art.  But in the end I just think a simpler solution is probably best.   This was just an aside btw.

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