Luxman PD-171 turntable

That's cool, thanks for the info...I hope the US dist. will bring it over from Japan! We'll see what happens. Which tonearms would any of you recommend on this armless version?

This is a throwback to the 1970s when you could get similar technology from Thorens or Dual. I myself would pocket the 6,700 dollars and look for a classic. I just bought a Dual at an estate sale for 100 dollars, restored it top to bottom for 90, and put on a quality MM cartridge from Audio Technica.
Listened to the Luxman, on their 38 tubed amp, and it sounded about the same. A very quiet and reserved sound, yet my Dual has better grip on the bass notes to mid-range.

You're entitled to your opinion, but you are biased towards this turntable by the simple fact that you're poo pooing for not a very good reason. Yes, you listened to it, but it seems that going into it, you were too skeptical. An open mind is crucial to evaluating components subjectively.

Dave 72-There are always going to be people that claim vintage gear is equivalent(sound quality) to current gear. I think the price/performance ratio of current components upsets some longtime audiophiles and they develop a bias towards vintage gear. My take is the "best" vintage gear is able to compete with most current gear. If Bongofury made the claim a Kenwood L-07D crushed the new Luxman that's a different story but a nondescript Dual well...

Yeah, I understand. Personally, I do feel the prices *are* way too high on current high end components, but I'm always looking at the present and ahead. I don't really look back, unless the component can't be ignored. Yes, that is a stretch to call the Dual as good or better than this new-ish Luxman.

Dave 72 and Dayglow

I have been in the concert space for four decades and presently support artists in Asia, including Tokyo. I live between here and there. I have been a huge proponent of this brand, and frequently see their components in Japan and So Cal, where I live. I am very open to them, own their N100 setup, and you will see numerous postings by me, especially on that tube base system and the 590 integrated amp.

With that said, there is a 100% markup between Japan and here. My father owned a Garrard 301 for 30 years and I have the best heavy Dual platters from Germany made in the 1970s.

This Luxman has a similar platter configuration and I see very little difference in sound between them. You pay a good 3,500 just to have the US version, as the tt is 3,200 in Tokyo. No stretch: the truth.

If you like blowing money, it is a free world.