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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
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...
mikeyc8
174 posts
 
Yes the Garrard's are great, they are the gold standard for sure, but just the player without a plinth is $1500-$2000. After you add a plinth, kokomo bearings and tonearm it gets pretty pricey. The lenco players in contrast start at about $300 for a good one, and arguably have similar performance.
mcmprov OP
57 posts
 
Thanks. Do you a sense for what it would cost to get a decent plinth for the Lenco?
lewm
13,248 posts
 
Around $2100 for a Giant direct-coupled Lenco plinth, if you do nothing yourself but pay for it. Check out Jean Nantais via the Lenco thread (Home Despot). For a little more effort and similar expense you could have a Lenco remounted in a steel top-plate (PTP3; go to the Lenco-Lovers website) on a slate plinth made by Oswald Mills. I own a Lenco in a Nantais plinth, and I love it. The slate job cum PTP3 could be better yet. Quien sabe? I suspect either iteration of the Lenco is on par with a hot-rodded Garrard 301 that would cost much more.
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