Recommendations For New Table/Arm Under $4k

As the proud owner of over 100 TTs in his audiophile life, Audiofiel clearly comes from the school of constant change and fleeting satisfaction. That's a fine school and I have friends deep into studies there; however, getting "stuck" with a good tonearm is not a bad thing for those of us that stay off the treadmill of constant change.

I'm not saying that Galibier, Teres, TW Acustic and Acoustic Solid are not all fine devices. I love Jazdoc's post, which seems to point toward a "final solution" that you won't regret. With a budget of $4000 (or more) the OP should certainly investigate these options. A trip to the RMAF will allow comparison of almost everything mentioned in this thread, and then some. Plan on spreading your listening over at least two-days as it can be quite overwhelming.

Dave

Jazdoc, I love your last post.

If you have the Galibier, why would you move to the Tere's or TW Acustic? Why not stay within the Galibier line? Do those other TTs sound better to you, but didn't fit your initial price range, or what?

The reviews of the Serac (you didn't say which Galibier you own) indicate that it'll do justice to the very best tonearms and cartridges, so it seems that where I'd incredmental budget, if that's true.

Dave

Dave,

Sorry if my last post was confusing. Hopefully this will clarify. It has been my observation for the turntable brands I listed, that an owner is highly likely to stay within the brand if they decide to upgrade. For example, I know a new Galibier Serac owner who plans to upgrade to the Gavia platter. I have observed the same phenomena for TW Acustic and Teres.

I think that this happens, because the turntable brands are uniformly excellent, owners like the particular house sound of 'their' turntable, and the trade up policies are generous for all. Importantly for a handmade item, I also feel comfortable recommending the people behind all three brands.

BTW, I bought a Stelvio with Triplanar and Dynavector XV1-S and could not be happier.

Regards,

Dear Cbd: here are some second hand options that seems to me could be very good choices:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1219074781
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1219432217
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1219842117
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1220806879
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1221193798
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1221503755
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1221524616
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1221783544
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1221939825

For a new unit I agree too on Galibier.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

I would put in a good word here for the Rega P5, with an Exact 2 cartridge and the outboard power supply. I just purchased this combo and am very happy with it. In my opinion it is far better than any of the Project or Music Hall variations I saw recommended in this thread, particularly in regards to soundstage and imaging, which is very important to me as a listener.