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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
sandrodg73 OP
124 posts
 

Thanks puptent 

Upscale Audio has VPI Super Prime Scout 21 with the 10.5: arm,and  VTA on the fly (not really sure what that is) for $3899 and they are giving a choice of 4 cartridges:

Ortofon 2m bronze $300

sandrodg73 OP
124 posts
 

Sorry wasn't done

Ortofon 2m black 500

Soundsmith zephyr MIMC ES $1700

Soundsmith Otello ES 400

Sound like a good deal?

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
478 posts
 

another interesting option in your price range is the Thorens TD-1500.  

macg19
933 posts
 

I just talked to a local dealer and he has a Clearaudio Performance DC table with a Clarify Carbon tone arm and Virtuoso V2 cart. He says it's in mint condition.  Asking 3300. Anyone have a thought on that deal?

It's just an OK deal. For example, I just traded in a Performance DC with the Tracer tone arm. I paid $5600 new with a Hana ML cart. The issue is the Clarify arm is 2 levels down from the Tracer and the Virtuoso V2 isn't as good as the Hana, both $1200 list. I think you can do better for $3300.

I have no experience with VPI, but the 2 Ortofon carts in the Upscale package are not that great.

Lastly, James Connell at Raven is the real deal. A musician, recording engineer (mostly classical) and an all round good guy.

sls883
379 posts
 

I've always had a turntable. I have several hundred albums, but a small collection compared to most vinyl guys. 

About a year ago, I decided to see if vinyl could sound as good as cd.  I bought a Marantz TT-15S1 which comes with a Clearaudio Virtuoso Ebony Wood cartridge. Used a Sutherland KC Vibe phono stage.  Despite good reviews, the cartridge didn't blow me away.  I next bought a Hana ML moving coil cartridge and upgraded the phono stage to a Sutherland TZ Vibe.  Now, it sounds really good. 

I bought quite a new albums including some pricey quality pressings.  Played vinyl for a number of months, but after upgrading my streamer, interest in flipping records fizzled. 

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