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Choosing a new turntable

I've used an LP-12 for more than 30 years, mostly an 80's version with Valhalla and Ittok. I took it in for a tune-up last week and decided that's it, I'm done with this. I want 45 rpm, I don't want to throw more money at the Linn, I want something different.

My budget is $3K or less for table and arm and my inclination is to buy new, though that's not a hard requirement. My current cartridge is a Benz L2 wood body. I like an organic sound. I want an unfussy system (I briefly had a Kuzma StabiS/StogiS a couple of years ago and never got comfortable with it). I want a table I like the looks of. I've read every relevant thread here. I am intrigued by the groundswell of renewed interest in high-torque systems, but am not sure that will make sense given my budget and needs.

It's tough to audition tables, as you know. I'm hoping some of you seasoned vinylphiles can help me understand the kind of sound to expect from the various choices out there. Here's what's currently on my radar:

VPI Classic -- Price is right, buzz is good (though you have to be careful about that). But the table's footprint is a bit bigger than I'd like and I'm told the VPI sound is on the dark side. It's a bit clunky looking in the pictures. Also, I'm quite inexperienced with unipivot arms.

Clearaudio Performance SE (or the new, lesser, Concept). I like the looks of these tables, they seem well made and easy to set up. I've heard Clearaudio is fussy about support and may be hard to get good sound from for that reason. (I have an Apollo rack with a Neuance shelf.)

Well-Tempered Amadeus. Again, lots of good buzz about this new table. But I have heard of some reliability problems and the thing looks fragile and fussy. Also, no cueing lever (though I understand an add-on will be offered), which would drive me crazy I think.

Technics SL-1200 from KAB with some of the KAB mods. This is an entirely different kettle of fish, I realize. Much less money than the others, would give me a taste of direct drive, very easy to use, and I'd probably take advantage of the detachable headshell to play with some other carts. I could put a better arm in it eventually. But I have no idea if the sound I'll get from this table will be even in the ballpark of the others or even of my sub-optimized LP-12.

I suppose Michell and Nottingham should also be in my consideration set. What do you think?

That's it. And before you start flooding me with suggestions for searching out some long-discontinued rarity or DIY project, let me say that I appreciate the suggestions but I'm really inclined to keep this simple and off-the-shelf.

Thanks.
Ag insider logo xs@2xdrubin
4musica44107
520 posts
 
I own three different turntables. The least expensive is the Amadeus fitted with a Dynavector XX2 MC cartridge and Auditorium 23 RCAs. This is a far less expensive setup than the other two but it is easily the 2nd best sounding setup of the three. Extremely musical with the best bass I have ever heard from any turntable, tonearm, & cartridge combo. Sound stage, PRAT, instrument locations, and instrument textures are all excellent. The build quality is quite good but of course it is not the same quality level as my Ayre-DPS or Basis Signature 2500. Like the OP, I had some concerns about the lack of a cueing system, but the tonearm is so damped and otherwise easy to move and control that I had no problem adjusting to the lack of a cueing system, and my Amadeus is necessarily on the top shelf of an equipment rack that is arguably higher than what I typically see; the top shelf is 48.5 inches high.

So far I just flat out love this turntable! I do not find it "fussy" or overly "fragile" but those attributes like so many other things we might associate with the toys in our hobby are highly subjective. In other words, what might be perceived as fussy or fragile to one individual will not necessarily be a problem for someone else.

I have not encountered any reliability problems nor have I heard about any.

Bottom line: This is a remarkable TT that is a tremendous musical value at its price point. I highly recommend anyone planning on spending between $3K and $6K on a turntable/tonearm combo that they audition the Amadeus. It continues to astonish me!
chashas1
596 posts
 
Very good summation of the Amadeus, 4musica. Spot on. Does the Ayre or Basis sound similiar? or were you just talking build, or looks of materials? I've seen some gorgeous-looking tables lately with flashy parts, but it doesn't always show up in the sound :).

Not that I know a whole lot, but Drubin, you'll be shooting yourself in more than the foot if you swapped your Linn for a Sota or Technics. Realize that so many people recommend what they own. But have you seen the cars they drive?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drubin OP
3,275 posts
 
You think a reasonably up-to-date SOTA would be a step down from an out of date Linn? Why?
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
If you can stretch to $4K, consider the Galibier Serac with the $750 arm of your choice.
- major step up at an attractive price
- small (albeit tall) footprint
- accommodates any tonearm you choose, now or in the future
clio09
3,360 posts
 
I owned a SOTA Nova Series V (upgraded from Star Sapphire) and in my experience these are well designed tables that are great values for the money, especially used. However, I found the table a little too sensitive to vibrations for my taste. You would definitely need to consider a wall shelf to help this. If you decide to go with SOTA get one with the vacuum platter as it is a huge benefit with SOTA tables.

That being said today I own a B&O Beogram 8000 and 8002 (both over achievers), and just sprung for a Galibier Serac. I would give Thom Mackris a call and inquire about the Serac and arm package he offers.
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