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Turntable in $155-2500 range

I'm looking to upgrade (add a new?) turntable. I currently have a KAB modded Technics 1210 that I will likely keep for a second system. I've had a Rega Planar2 with Elys cartridge I've liked in the past.

As many have noted, it's hard to hear many 'tables these days. Dealers are few and far between. Here is my short list of candidates:

-Rega P3-24 with the TTU PS
-JA Michell TecnoDec (a late candidate that I am interested in hearing about)
-VPI Scout
-Project RM 9.1
-Music Hall MMF 9.1
-Clearaudio Emotion CMB (I do have young kids an am a bit concerned about the Maestro surviving)

I'm also interested in hearing about other options. Other key equipment: PrimaLuna Prologue 3 Pre, Wyred4Sound monoblocks, Gallo 3.1 Ref speakers.

Thanks,

Tim
tjnindc
Post removed 
jazzfan67
50 posts
 
Nottingham Interspace Jr.+ Denon DL 103R+ Denon AU-300LC
step-up transformer=(aroud $2k)- Killer TT for $$$$$
tjnindc OP
91 posts
 
Michael:

I really like my Technics and intend to keep it (and probably pass it along to my kids, once they are older). I turned 40 this year and have been thinking about stepping into another turntable for a while and thought that it would be a nice treat.

All:

I found a Nottingham dealer close by, so I will definitely go listen. I'm very curious about the Well Tempered and trying to find a dealer somewhere near where I typically travel (mostly OH and CO, right now). I'm very interested in hearing/seeing the classic. The Scout was the first high end table that I looked at some 16 years ago. I've always been impressed with the VPI decks. However, the only VPI dealer near me seems to have shut down.

Anyone know high end audio folks in Columbus?

Tim
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
09-18-09: Sufentanil
I hate to be the contrarian in the group, but what is it that you don't like about your KAB Technics? Your table is an excellent value turntable that will accommodate a reasonable range of cartridges and is built to last.
That definitely crossed my mind as well.

You can get adapter armboards for the Technics to accommodate Rega (and compatible from Origin Live), Linn, Jelco, and SME tonearms from Sound Hi-Fi. For the money you're talking, you could put a SME 309 or Series V tonearm on your KAB/Technics.

For more information and a review of a Technics/SME 309, go here, download Issue 22, and go to page 15.

And you could add a 1/4" thick Herbie's Way Excellent Mat and--if you haven't already done so--some better feet.
tjnindc OP
91 posts
 
Johnnyb53:

I always appreciate your insights. I have spent a lot of time with my 1200 over the last 48 hours (Grant Green, Idle Moments, right now), and it is pretty solid. A few questions:

1: How big of an impact is the external PSU? ...and which one do you recommend?

2: Have you swapped out a tonearm? The SME certainly looks interesting. I've always like the Rega arms as well.

3: Do you have a favorite cartridge these days? I like my AT 150MLX a lot but maybe having something else to swap in might cure my 'itch' a bit.

Thanks.

Tim
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