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I NEED YOUR HELP with a turntable purchase

Hello Everyone,

I need your help with my first high end turntable purchase.
I will be purchasing in May.

I am looking for a really good turntable for my system. I am not sure which way to go. I checked out a Spiral Groove, and so far I really like that one, mainly for it's no nonsense approach and the ease of use. I have also heard about Basis, SME. SME seems to get really great reviews and their owners really seem to like them. I don't quite understand the significant upcharge to US customers though.

my budget is around $15-30k, hopefully including tonearm and cartridge. i could spend a bit more if necessary. i am NOT necessarily looking for the most expensive turntable, but I want the most bang for my bucks. The phone preamp will be Audio Research Phono Ref2.

the rest of my system consists of:
Preamp: Audio Research Anniversary Ref 40
Amps: Audio Research 610T
Speakers: Wilson Audio Maxx 3
Digital: dCS Scarlatti stack

I would appreciate and help you can give me.

thanks!!
jon_p
busypk
26 posts
 
SME 20 or 30 is just to "dead" sounding IMHO. Yes they have the blackest background but no life to the music. The Yorke designs are simple and have PACE but because of Yorke mandating the use of his own arm they lack detail and focus and I'd never get another Yorke, no support either.
A 301 with appropriate arm might just be your ticket to nivana.
inna
7,296 posts
 
So SME and Simon Yorke are no good. This is the biggest bullshit that I ever heard on this forum. And Walker is garbadge too, no doubt.
countingbackwards
138 posts
 
I like the Oracle Delphi Mk VI with a Graham Phantom arm that I've heard with a Zyx Universe cart...it's on the lower end of the stated budget, but sounds fantastic to my ears.
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
My $15k analog rig:

Clearaudio Innovation Wood Compact
Clearaudio Universal Arm with VTA lift
Shelter Harmony cart.
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
I should mention my other associated equip:

Clearaudio Balance + Phono stage
marke Levinson 380S pre-amp
Pass Labs XA 100.5 class A monoblocks
Wilson Watt/Puppy 8

I am very happy with the analog rig.
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