Looking for a more solid-feeling turntable (and maybe a new preamp)
Hey all,
This has been my system for years:
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Line Magnetic LM-218IA
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Davone Ray speakers
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Shindo Aurieges preamp
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Rega RP10 with a Dynavector XX-2 cart
The Rega’s been good to me, but I’ve never fully loved it. It just feels a bit light and fragile—both in physical build and in the way it presents music. I’m looking for something that feels more grounded, stable, and confident. Obviously I’m also looking for something that would complement the LM and the Rays.
The Shindo I do like a lot, but if there’s something out there that keeps the musicality and adds a bit more clarity or grip or that works in conjunction with any turntable recommends, I’d be open to hearing about it.
I listen mostly to rock, electronic, ambient, experimental, some jazz.
Budget is around $10k all-in.
Appreciate any recommendations!
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- 52 posts total
I owned the TD124/SME 3009 combo above, in a larger dustproof cabinet, but my wood floors are too springy for it’s amazing bearing which is sensitive to vertical movement. For a friend, I helped assemble a two arm Luxman PD-444 with both long and short Micro Seiki 505 arms, I highly recommend it, Quartz Locked Direct Drive https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=luxman+pd-444 I like it so much, recommend it so often that I uploaded some info on this site One nice feature is the built-in two arm junction box, with A/B switch, so only 1 phono cable out to your phono input
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The JVC Victor CL-P2 Plinth that I chose, (when you can find one), is a very substantial 7 layer composite they engineered at the peak of the Vinyl Era, with two removable arm boards
here’s a peek at my arm board removed (it is a 5 layer composite, you cannot imagine it warping or vibrating) It fits various models of their Quartz Locked Direct Drive spinners, I chose TT81 shown with it’s dust cover on. you lift it off, need to have a designated place for it |
I agree with you. I used to own a mid-level Rega and a friend owns one. I understand why lots of folks like them. But they are not my cup of tea. They always sound light and unsubstantial to me.
I would recommend looking at VPI, SME, and Linn. I owned a VPI Aries for a couple decades. I highly recommend one of their suspensionless models. I now own a contemporary Linn LP12. Also a great sprung turntable. Its upgradability is a fantastic feature. I started with a mid-level configuration and then upgraded to about the top of the line. If you’re one of those folks that wants the best, but can’t afford it... now. This is an excellent choice. Each of four upgrades were sonically very significant and cost effective. My dealer just charged me for the difference between what I had and the new component. |
- 52 posts total