2. analog
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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
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.
manitunc
795 posts
 
Depends on the sound you are looking for. I would purchase the Oracle Delphi Mk VI as mentioned above if I wanted the most beautiful music to be heard.

I also agree with the Sota Cosmos recommendation for a no-frills, do it all excellent turntable that has no weaknesses and is easy to set up

The Basis turntables, especially at their higher end, are works of art visually and technically and are probably the best engineered table made today. I could easily live with their Ovation or their newest beauty.

After that, there are a number of tables that will do the trick, some of which may be from companies that may not be in it for the long hall. The 3 above have been around a while, and provide excellent customer service.

For arms, the Graham, Triplanar, SME or Helius would all work well. For cartridges, take your pick of any number of well reviewed examples.
Give me a 10% fee, and I'll put it all together for you and you will love it or your money back.
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