Vintage Japanese DD Consult and Suggestions Please
A little over five years ago, I worked with Chris Harban at Woodsong Audio to craft a bespoke Garrard 301 for me and my my vinyl collection. I had previously had a Dual of some model followed by a Thorens TD 160 with a nice Ortofon Black MM cart. The 301 was completely restored featuring a heavy mahogany plinth, Ortofon AS 309S tonearm, and Ortofon SPU head. I have completely blown away with how this table has sounded and looked. The sound was huge, rich, and detailed...everything that I heard that idle drives from this era should sound.
Unfortunately, some family health matters have forced me to liquidate some much revered audio gear, and recently placed my Garrard 301 up for sale. I do not wish to be without a way to continue to enjoy my collection and would somehow like to come as close to the performance of the 301 for around $2500 or so.
My considerations (thus far)for this change are as follows,
Denon DP80
Technics SP10 Mk 2 or 3
Technics SL 1000 Mk 2
Luxman PD 444
As you can see, I am curious about the more vintage looks and sound of the direct drives coming out of Japan, and am hoping to glean from this audience which of these units may provide me with the same (or as close to)level of enjoyment that my 301 has done. Thoughts on tonearm and MC cartridges pairings with each would be helpful.
I am not really considering anything belt driven at this time for whatever reason, or a deck that veers away from a traditional turntable aesthetic.
If it helps, the rest of the signal chain is as follows.
Aric Audio Motherlode preamp
Manley Steelhead phono pre
Aric Audio Transcend EL 34 push/pull amp
Klipsch Forte iv speakers.
I am grateful in advance for your thoughts on this matter.
@westcoastaudiophile I appreciate your contribution to the thread and will consider all suggestions as I perform my own due diligence and cull down my list. @tomic601 Agreed! Far too many times as late have I seen posts on this forum go off the rails and off subject and devolve into some grade school behaviors. My only concern is that this conversation hasn't piqued the interest to the point where gear that I might consider is quickly taken off the market. |
Instead of all the fretting and worrying about parts availability and service on vintage, why not buy a new Technics or comparable unit. I tend to favor Technics as they have proven to know a thing or two about turntable building. Well within your budget is the Technics SL-1200GR. Available from numerous online sellers for $2200 delivered (plus tax). No fuss. no bother and will likely last practically forever, given the history of the previous 1200 series.
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@llg98ljk This is certainly a consideration as well. Technics appears to offer so many turntables in their current lineup that it is a bit overwhelming. Most resembling DJ decks, which is not my preferred look, however. |
@tomic601 This is why I suggested DIY epoxy bentonite plinth. Epoxy+bentonite has much higher damping ratio than treated wood of DK300. Does triplanar sound much better than DV505? |
