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Nottingham vs. Wilson Benesch turntables?

I have assembled a great 2 channel system (Verity Parsifal Ovations, Luxman 509u integrated & D-06 cdp), and it is time to add analogue for vinyl 50's & 60's jazz, chamber music, solo piano etc. The 509u has a good phono stage, and so I need a TT, arm, and cart.

A couple of options available locally are the Nottingham Analogue Ace Spacedeck (or the similar Space 294)and their respective NA arms, the Wilson Benesch Full Circle (complete with arm and cart), the Avid Diva II (and Volvere), and Thorens.

The Nottingham and WB turntables have a certain appeal at a similar price, and I was wondering what you would advise for someone getting back into analogue?
toronto416
inna
7,296 posts
 
Yes, Wave Mechanic motor controller can make a big difference. I don't have it yet. One can get it directly from the UK with no or insignificant customs fees; divineaudio.co.uk
For myself I would see no reason to consider anything else within this price range. Nottingham Spacedeck has been around for over 30 years and has a cult following.
If you go much higher, say, $10k for new table/arm, then yes I would listen to a few including Fletcher Audio Omega 5 table with Zero arm which were the latest creations of Tom Fletcher, the designer of Nottingham, though I am not sure it is sold in the US.
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
Another Nott fan here in Virginia.

I had the original Spacedeck/Arm and now have newer version with the Ace-Space arm. I am using a (now out of production) Neuance shelf in lieu of the standard supplied platform. I love this table and have no forseeable plans to move into something else.

I have never tried the Wave Mechanic, but a few years ago I did try a VPI SDS motor controller. I thought it degraded the sound and didn't seem to have enough voltage to keep the low torque motor moving. You could literally stop the platter with a carbon fiber brush. I didn't keep the SDS long.

Shakey
inna
7,296 posts
 
VPI controller is no good for Nottingham. Walker might be excellent, I don't know.
Does AceSpacedeck/Acearm sound significantly better than the originals that you had? What cartridge did/do use use?
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
I wouldn't say it's a significant improvement, but it was noticeable. I am using a Benz L2, and used this on the original deck.

Shakey
toronto416 OP
210 posts
 
Thanks for all the useful info! It looks like the current NA Ace Spacedeck is the sweet spot in the NA line, and definitely on my short-list.

Any opinions regarding Ace Spacedeck vs. Space 294 (and the tracking advantages of a 12" vs a 9" arm), or is choosing between them closer to splitting hairs? The difference in price easily pays for an Ortofon M2 Black:-)

I bought some vinyl today for the first time since the 1980's - a Rhinovinyl 180g pressing of 'John Coltrane My Favorite Things', and a 180g Doxy pressing of 'Thelonious Monk & John Coltrane at Reeves Sound Studios in NYC'. I guess I'm committed!

Next comes the TT:-)
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