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Two Arm Turntables

Although I have nice VPI Scout now, I am thinking about upgrading to a new turntable, one with two arms. I want to be able to very conveniently (i.e. no switching wands+vta settings, etc.) switch between mono and stereo cartridges, and check out some arms other than the VPI JMW. I was thinking about $6K, ex-arms, used, preferably (much) lower (although I don't want to get upgradeitis again, a most expensive condition), as going beyond this amount seems ridiculous. Ideas so far: Garrard 301 with custom plinth, Verdier Platine, Micro Seiki 5000 (hard to find arm boards?), and TW Acustic Raven Two. Well, hard to find these used, especially from a dealer...but I'm patient. Other ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks, Mark
mcmprov
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Micro Seiki DDX1000 could use 3 arms. I use to have one. Direct Drive but good.
eweedhome
227 posts
 
I saw a Nottingham with 2 arms at a show, but don't know anything about it. In the long run, I'm on a similar search--I'd like to have easy access to a mono cartridge without having to have 2 turntables.

Good luck.
johnbrown
195 posts
 
I sense a willingness to buy used, and have a custom plinth made. As such, I'd say look at either your afore-mentioned Garrard, or a Technics SP-10 MKII, or even better, MKIII. Albertporter (look him up here) sold his 40k Walker after buying a Technics. Mike Lavigne (mikel-here and at VA) compares his Technics (in a custom, two arm plinth) favorably to his Rockport, and also has a Garrard (also in a two arm plinth) for an upcoming comparison. I'd guess you could set up either of these for half your allotted budget-or, naturally, you could probably spend more.
dmgrant1
55 posts
 
Check out the original Avid Diva. You can do two arms on it and it won't bust the bank. I have one arm (Origin Encounter) with a mono cartridge (Benz) and the second arm is an SME M-12 with a Zyx cartridge.

So I can play my few mono albums on the Origin/Benz combo and stereo on the other. It is cool.

BTW, The mono lps sound great! I am sure you can spend more money on a rig, but I am content with this set-up.
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