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LP12 vs Classic III vs. ?? vs.??

I currently have an LP12 with Ekos,Cirkus,Trampoline and Lingo. Also using a Kleos with a Linto. But have developed an itch to trade into a different table. I have some considerations that I would like to narrow down to just one or two. The tables on my short list are:
VPI Classic II
ClearAudio Ovation
Rega P9
Avid Volvere
and if anyone feels they have one to add to my confusion, please chime in. I have asked this question before, but the players onthe field have changed considerably.
My goal it to find a table that will give me some improvement in sound quality, although my LP12 is no slouch. But as you all know there is only one cure for this "itch" to change. So my question is: who has heard booth the LP12 comparabley equipped and also one or two of these tables. What did you like, what didn't you like, what advances or negatives can I expect.
The problem I find in shopping is that even if a dealer has the table you would like to try, without having the same cartridge and supporting equipment, it's still pretty much a blind test.
In case anyone asks my reasons for trading are that I really just want to try a non-suspended table. I may kick myself later, but you never know till you try.
128x128theo
pani
1,215 posts
 
Theo, I have heard the LP12, P9 and Avid. Avid Volvere is one of the best TTs I know of for the money. Its upgraded version, the "Sequel" is eerily close to the Acutus sonically and some even prefer it to the Acutus. Rega P9 is good, it sounds different (transparent, clean, a bit CD like) and is in the same league as LP12 at best so it may not be an upgrade per se. Volvere is definitely in a different league!!

And yes if you like UK style of music making (PRAT, jump, boogie) you will not like the VPI :).
lotus340r
32 posts
 
Well Tempered Amadeus GTA and Raven 1 would be my recommendation. Both amazing decks at their pricepoints.

As moonglum eloquently says though, if you are hooked on the LP12 presentation then best stick with the LP12.

If you want the LP12 sound but have to have something different then the Phonosophie P3 is another choice.
theo's avatar
theo OP
2,666 posts
 
Pani,I mostly listen to old rock, some blues,jazz and virtually no classical. So does that change the VPI consideration and actually I meant to list the Classic III not the II.
From what Moonglum and Lotus340r are stating that I am gleening that I need to set my sights higher in terms of money? I can't do that in the forseeable future. As mentioned I have an itch to get into a different table, and I realize that I can continue to upgrade the LP12 but I can't see adding another 3-6000 to it. In my mind it is an old table and adding a keel or a khan would surely improve it's sound. But to upgrade the power supply and other things, I just don't see the value or return on my investment. I feel that I have taken this table as far I can without deeper obligation.
pani
1,215 posts
 
Hi Theo,
IMO, no matter what you listen to, there is a style of playback that a seasoned audiophile generally prefers. Since you are coming from a LP12 background I would like to assume you like UK style of music presentation, which is vivid, bouncy, good tone and good dynamics. The Volvere does all this and much more..like soundstage and transparency and a very lifelike presentation. The only other TT that I liked as much was a Nottingham Analogue Hyperspace.
sgunther
187 posts
 
Check out the Salvation TT thread on this forum, it will provide insight on a vey different TT and arm alternative.
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