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New TT ideas please

I'm doing a major upgrade to my system with the new electronics likely to be Audio Research REF3/110/PH7 (though may be PH5 in the interim)/Verity Parsifals. My Roksan Radius 5 is going to find a loving home, but I need some ideas of what to look at. Here are a few that appeal to me visually and reputationally, and a few that I've heard (all similar $$ roughly, budget seems to be about $6-$7.5k for table and arm):

1. Clearaudio Ambient (looks simple to setup and use), unify arm
2. Rega P9 with the 1000 arm (again, simple setup)
3. Michell Gyrodec or Orb (with the acrylic platform and cover)
4. Transrotor Atlantis with Origin Live tonearm
5. Redpoint turntable (a long shot) - looking for opinions

Excluding VPI, what else should I consider? I would like a company with a long standing history (Redpoint is questionable on this front), excellent build quality, not too finicky, sounds lively, involving, quiet background, controlled and detailed. I don't mind a touch forward, as I think the rest of the system could use a slightly forward source. Simplicity is preferred - I don't want to have to adjust things too often or it won't be used.

I have a fascination with Koetsu cartridges, so I want a TT that would suit an Urushi / Rosewood Signature cartridge. I also think transrotor is interesting, but their web site confuses me (only 3 models? I thought they had many more).

I will try my very best to hear them so what I'm asking is your best ideas and a little brain storming. I will only buy what sounds best to me and works with my system - no question about that.
hatari
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I'll second the Galibier and also admit to being biased. I'll also through in a recommendation for Teres. I've not heard a Red Point but I'd guess it would be almost a good as Galibier. :)

I've owned several Basis tables which are similar to Clearaudio. The three tables above are a much, much better bargain in my opinion. Forget any table that uses a rubber belt or fishing line for driving the platter. My $.02.
pauly
1,012 posts
 
If you like some eye candy you should consider an Oracle Delphi. If a turntable can get you laid, this would be the one.

It is a local (if you can call Canada local) company and you do get timely responses and support. Some of the other companies mentioned I have waited more than a month for a response at times – not where you want to be if you are having problems.

I use a Delphi with a Graham/Koetsu and once setup correctly they sound and perform very well. Setup is not the easiest but it does allow plenty room to tweak and fiddle to get the sound just perfect.

Regards
Paul
kublakhan
717 posts
 
Arthur Salvatore's site makes for exciting reading on this topic:

http://www.high-endaudio.com/rec.html#List

And don't listen to Pauly. I had an oracle table and didn't get laid ONCE!
hatari OP
94 posts
 
I'm a Canadian, so Oracle is a local company. I'm not as smitten with the looks of it. I seem to like the look of the Transrotor Orpheo, Clearaudio Master Solution with the AMG wood plinth... that type of thing. LOL

Teres: sound like a great deal (with your dollar ;), but I'm not a fan of the all wood look. A tad too organic for my living room decor (wife ruled it out).

Verdier: am looking into it

Transrotor: does this make sense - I checked out the Orpheus on the web and a German site has it for 5000 euro (about $6700). The US distributor has it for $13K. Allowing for duties, I can't imagine it's more than $8500 equivalent and, as much as it is, I'd really consider stretching the budget for this baby.

Keep the suggestions coming gentlemen and thank you.
hevac1
812 posts
 
Try a Basis. I have not had any problems and it go's well with the cartridge you want to use.
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