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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
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.
mikeyc8
174 posts
 
I just had a Lenco L75 modded with a 75 lb cherry plinth by Jean Nantais. He had it made with 2 armboards (and it also came with 2 extra armboards) so theoretically I could have 4 arms at any point. This is a relatively economical solution for you as its about half of your budget plus IMHO this table runs with the big boys that you mentioned. Check out the Home Despot thread for details on the Lenco and my system for pics if you're interested.
normansizemore
601 posts
 
You could simply keep your turntable and use an arm pod. Here is a link to a good friend and audio nut Stefano. www.theanalogdept.com/stefano_bertoncello.htm
Look at his system and note the arm pods for his Garrard 301.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
It may be sonically better to have two tables if you have the room, especially if you are partial to VIP product, none of which can really be fitted with two arms.
mcmprov OP
57 posts
 
I really appreciate these suggestions and would welcome any other ideas. Honestly, I'm too inexperienced to say I'm partial to VPI. The Scout is the only turntable I have listened to in the past 20 years. I bought based on reviews, affordability, stability of the brand, upgradability, and resale value. Now that I'm hooked on vinyl, with a great LP collection, I'm interested in broadening my experience. Turntables are highly visible living room product - two is too much, IMHO. The Lenco seems appealing, but I like the idea of being able to get a fully checked out Garrard from Loricraft, with a power supply upgrade, maybe Kokomo bearings, etc. I'm trying to learn more about the Lenco, but Garrard seems to have more of this type of 3rd party support, above and beyond the plinth, vs. other vintage brands, at a cost...
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