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TT upgrade

I currently have a Pro-ject Xpression TT with a Grado Gold. I'm looking to upgrade. I like a more laid back sound, listen to blues and folk mostly. My phono stage is a Bottlehead Seduction going into a Primaluna PL2. After much googling, searching the usual sites i have come down to these tables.

I would prefer to keep it under $900 but .....

1. VPI HW-19 jr or IV depends on whats out there and $$. Seen them from $500-1250

2. Thorens TD -125. $500-850

3. Sota again depends on price

4. VPI Scout a bit over my price range a few sold here for around $1200

I know buying used there are a number of variables like the arm, dustcover, etc.

I did buy a HW-19 jr but the guy wrapped it in bubble wrap and stuck it in a box with styrofoam peanuts and well you can imagine the shape it arrived in. I always take photos as i open boxes of audio gear. His loss not mine, but i really liked the solid feel of it and the look.

So at the risk of asking for opinions.........:)
grinnell
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
My 1980's SOTA Sapphire still works like new. The suspended subchassis (platter + armboard) is so well isolated that I can literally pound my fist on the plinth while a record is playing, with moderate force, with no audible effects whatsoever. The table weighs 44 pounds, iirc, and seems to be built like the proverbial tank. Mine has a beautiful light oak finish.

The one negative I've sensed is that the servo-based design of its motor mechanism results in a very slightly perceptible wow and flutter on sustained piano notes (which doesn't seem particularly applicable to the kind of music you indicated that you listen to).

I have no experience with the other tables you mentioned.

Good luck in your search!

-- Al
tubetan
24 posts
 
Music Direct had some "B" stock Scouts for a reasonable price. Call them and see if they have any left.

E
br3098
995 posts
 
Based on your list. I would look for a used Scout. One sold on eBay last week for $1025 w/ arm. Or a new/used Clearaudio Emotion - I think that ElusiveDisc still has blue units for $1,199.

One of my favorite vintage decks is the Oracle Alexandria. Sounds great and is relatively easy to setup. Depending on the tonearm, should be available for under $600.

I have had (and still do have) several vintage Thorens decks, and I would have to say that I just don't get the all the hype. Mechanically complex w/ (generally) horrible arms. The exception is the TD-126 - a great unit but they are still a bitch mechanically and electronically.

There are many great old decks out there: many of the 70s-80s Japanese decks can be had quite reasonably. A friend of mine has a Yamaha PF-800 and it sounds pretty good. Or just do the easy thing and buy a new or used Technics SL-1200/1210. Not a super high-end deck, but sounds great for the price and you can probably sell it for what you paid for it if you get a good deal.

Good luck
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