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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
lewm
12,840 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.
edle
235 posts
 
$2100 for a custom made plinth for the Garrard or Lenco just doesn't make sense. There are rumble in all these idler type TT but most of the peoples who use tiny speakers don't notice it since their speakers don't go low.

Go and get a Verdier. I'm bet that it will be you last TT.
ilikmangos
19 posts
 
My Garrard 301 has no problems with rumble whatsoever, and I am not using small speakers. Snell Type A speakers which do go low quite well, and are quite revealing.

You cannot go wrong with a 301/401, or the Technics SP12, MKII or III. The Thorens TD124 is also right up there. Another option would be a custom plinth for the Teres bearing, platter, and motor.
mikeyc8
174 posts
 
My Coral Beta 8 speakers are very sensitive, (101 dB) and go down to 30Hz. There's no rumble, the plinth absorbs all extraneous noise.
johnbrown
195 posts
 
Holy Crap-2100.00?

Is that what JN charges for those god-awful monstrosities that he calls a 'plinth'? To call them 'ugly' is to give the less-good-looking of the world a bad name. Still, and I suppose, if you're happy....but from the brief time I've spent on 'Home Despot', you're either Happy, or you're Gone. It's the Bizzarro Cult of A'gon blogs.
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