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Turntable suggestions for a newbie

Hello all. Beginning my journey into analog. I've recently gotten some advice on here in regards to my integrated tube amp selection. I may be going about things backwards, but here's where I'm at now. I'm 99% in on the Raven Blackhawk as my amp.  At Ravens suggestion I've purchased the Schiit Skoll as my phono stage. So now I'm looking at tables. I've narrowed it down to 3 although I'm open to suggestions.  Here they are in order:

1)VPI Scout 21

2)MoFi ultra deck

3)Michell Technodec 

The VPI is 1 because it looks bad ass and has really good reviews. Draw back is that it doesn't include a cart so is getting a little pricey for me with the additional cost of a cart. Not to mention that I'm not sure where to start as far as carts go. The MoFi is intriguing because it can be purchased with their ultra gold cart for less than the cost of the VPI. Looks are but not as nice as the VPI. Both are USA  made. Third choice is the Michell.  Looks great too. No cart either. It seems like the VPI is also upgradable. One concern that I have is that whatever table I choose will be placed on my council next to my center channel with L and R towers and a sub on either side.  Not really any other options unfortunately. The VPI and the Michell have isolated drives. My concern is that the the table location will be prone to vibration and may effect any table with an isolated drive.  Is this a legit concern?  Center channel wouldnt be used while listening to LPs.  Would an isolation platter mitigate any adverse effects from adjacent towers and subs?  Am I over thinking this?....

sandrodg73
Post removed 
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 

Then I would strongly suggest not to buy a friggin TT. If all you want one for is to say "hey look I have a Turn Table" Which is obviously the case.

 

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,698 posts
 

Check out SOTA! They come with a REGA tonearm and an optional cartridge!

https://sotaturntables.com/product-category/urban-series/

sandrodg73 OP
124 posts
 

Just don't care for the looks of sota. Except their really expensive ones. 

MattM.  Sorry if I'm not cool enough to be in your elite vynle club. Probably a bit lonely there anyway.  Maybe one of the other nice cool guys on this thread will let me in their club and teach my the ways of thy Holly Vynle 

Thanks again all!!

 

crawfishdaddi
35 posts
 

All fine TTs to be sure...

I went the direct drive route with a Technics 1500 SL and used the Funk Firm mod kit 10 to get it VERY quiet. I love it. Technics makes a hell of a TT and the 1200 series that others have mentioned is even better. One thing to consider is that while belt driven tables have their charms, they are way more fussy and typically have little to no features. The Technics, on the other hand, has instant start/stop, perfect speed stability, change from 33s to 45s with a push of a button (most belt driven tables require you to take the platter off and change belts) and tons of tone arm adjustments (that last one is the most important by a mile).  

I'm not saying you'll be disappointed with the list you've assembled, they are all very high quality TTs. Just sharing my personal experience...

Good luck!

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