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

I’m shocked that I bought a Technics SL1210G, and even more shocked that I’ve had it for over 3 years and have never thought about upgrading it.  I had VPI Classic 3, Classic 1, Clearaudio Solution and VPI Aries prior to the Technics, man, I  love the Technics, love changing cartridges, and easy to live with

 

Go To a Record Store, especially one of these new Boutique Type places. You will not be the Oldest in the Store and certainly not the Youngest.

These Shops are established businesses, and their new inventories of Import Items are seen as a Big Thing with their Customer Base.

There is a keenness for Vinyl, there is evidence in many ways to prove this. Even if with Vinyl not being off the scale as a mainstream product. 

Will do. I went to hifi dealer today to listen to a Clearaudio table. He had it hooked to a Hegel.  It was ok.  I asked for it to be hooked to a tube amp that was in the room and Holly crap....the sound stage about doubled. 

I own the Clearaudio  performance DC and I have enjoyed it very much. I’m no expert but it sounds like the deal you have been offered isn’tpretty good if what he has is truly in mint condition and that’s a big if. I’ve also owned Rega which I think delivers a lot of performance for the money.

Honestly, I think you would be pleased with the clearaudio but that’s also true of the others on your list. Make sure the cartridge produces the sound you like, it’s every bit as important as the table in my view. 
 

It sounds as if you have  thought this through and I think you will really enjoy the vinyl experience. As others have said it’s a lot more work than streaming. Most of my listening is streaming because of the convenience but when I have time for an extended session, I still find that nothing is like vinyl. To my ears, well press vinyl is still better than streaming. And I think I have a pretty good digital set up. It is subjective, however, and some disagree. What sounds better to me may not at all be the case for you and I would take those who “know”what you will like with a big grain of salt

I agree with you that owning physical media is a kick. It takes time and money to build a vinyl collection But it seems that you have thought that through and I wouldn’t be too discouraged by those who are not attracted by its charms, We all like something different.. In fact, one of the great enjoyments to me is finding a good used record store and combing through a lot of old junk to run across a vintage pressing in great condition.

good luck. I think you’ve got a lot of great advice here but in the end go with your gut. Folks tend to recommend what they have chosen because it’s what they know, and I suspect it also validates our own decisions in someway. I would be a little wary of those who say this is what I bought so that means it will absolutely be the best for you, something we all tend to do.

this is a very Subjective hobby. There might be an extremely well built machine or cartridge that I love, but it may not produce the sound that is pleasing to you. There is no better guide than your own ears

enjoy