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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
112 posts
 

Landed on the Rega Planar 8.  Not only rated well and recomended by my local hi fi store( shout out to Saturday Audio In Chicago) but the minimalist design fits my living space.  I'm a little apprehensive because it is such a minimalist design and so light that it kinda feels cheap. Initial listening on less than stellar LPs has me liking what I'm hearing however. Im using a Hana EH MC HO cart with a Schiit Skoll pre.  

kerrybh
143 posts
 

Congrats. I had a Rega Planar 6 and it performed very well. I'm sure the 8 is even better. I think Rega intends to take every unnecessary ounce out of their tables-part of their theory. I think you will enjoy the vinyl experience. Everyone has different preferences but you clearly have thought this through and I hope you have many hours of happy listening. Also hope you have a good used record store nearby. Enjoy

dentdog's avatar
dentdog
498 posts
 

I'm 90 percent vinyl. Lots of good suggestions above and as usual the audiogon posters are very helpful. Aside from equipment only one problem. Until you have a good area to place the table maybe wait. Especially if you like good bass and play it pretty loud. Else get a good wall mount. 

sandrodg73 OP
112 posts
 

Thanks kerrybh and dentdog. I appreciate positive feedback 

I've been playing my planar 8 through my Anthem AVR.  Not ideal I know but I want to know how the table sounds before I introduce tubes , which is something that will be a learning curve too. I my son brought an Eminem album over and a neighbor some techno LPs and im telling u now that the bass was fantastic.  The Anthem ARC helps im sure, but what I'm more impressed with is that while listening to a second hand Rumors album and comparing it with the same off of Quboz, the instruments sound more real and sound has more depth, if that makes sense.  Maybe new owner bias but wife agrees.  Can't wait to get a tube amp.  Pretty sure I'm going with Raven

zufan's avatar
zufan
563 posts
 

Pioneer PLX-1000. I just bought mine for $800 on amazon & it's as good or better then the other 5 I've owned, mostly belt drives. 

Moreover, has the best vibration control, being a pro DJ model. 

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