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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
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.
operafan's avatar
operafan
2 posts
 
Johnbrown you are right. I have a Nantais plinth and it is hideous. Cannot wait to replace it with something that looks good. Wasted my money on Nantais.
jazdoc
365 posts
 
You might want to consider a Galibier Serac; http://www.galibierdesign.com/prd_serac.html

It has the two arm capability you desire and leaves you with the ability to upgrade the table down the road should you suffer a recrudescence of that dreaded condition; 'upgraditis'. I use 2 tonearms on my Stelvio (one dedicated to mono) and am quite happy.
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