2. analog
  3. 1160764907

Used TT, Arm and Cartridge

I'm just getting back into vinyl. I've looked a Linn, Thorens, VPI, Oracle, Pro-Ject, etc., etc., etc. Stereo reviews and marketing have my head spinning so I want some advice recomendation from people who actually own and use these items. Budget is an issue as I want to keep the cost to around $2000 but there is some leeway in the budget. I also want a belt drive table as opposed to a direct drive. I prefer a classic style but the more contemporary will fit the media room decor. My media room (20' x 24') is on the second floor of my home above the garage so a suspended table is probably the best bet. Also, the system is on the exterior wall for whatever difference that may make.

Whatever I purchase is going to be coupled with the following:

VTL TL-2.5 preamp with retrofit phono stage
VTL MB250s
Klipschorns

Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
rem1954
bucketjr
17 posts
 
You can find Bix at DIYhifi
newbee
4,767 posts
 
No recommendations on TT's, you've got enuf already. However, I did note you were selecting your TT design based on the fact that it was going to be in a second story room. I assume you think the the floors might flex and that the suspended design might best absorb the flexing. Just a warning, that ain't necessarily so. In fact it can be quite the opposite, some suspended tables don't deal well with vertical movement at all and unsuspended tables can work well. (I have both - and that was my personal experience. And it makes some sense if you think about what happens with a spring which is not damped, like a car spring when the shock has worn out, you hit a bump and the care bounces continually for a few seconds. One bump, multiple bounce.) Both are going to need some form of coupling/isolation so its best to include those considerations in you decisions.

FWIW, some dealer, I think its Hollywood in Fla, has had a Mission TT, Arm, and Grace cartridge. I wouldn't pay much for the cartridge - it's old. It was great in its day but by now the elastomers in the stylus should be shot and you can't get a replacement. This is a great unsuspended TT and I highly recommend it, especially if you can get him off his price. Its been on the 'gon for a few months. He might move. Used to own one - made the mistake of selling it. I've been tempted but I just don't need another TT.

Good luck.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Do you know anything about the construction of the garage? I'm assuming that it is a 2 car. Does it have posts in the center between the bays to support a center beam? Can you see the joists? If so, what are the dimensions of these?

I agree with Newbee that a suspended table may not necessarily be the best. If it is a heavy, well damped suspension like on Basis tables then it may work fine. Tables with lighter suspensions could just turn into springy nightmares. Of course you could do a wall mount on a load bearing wall. Then it may not matter which type you go with.
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