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Can a $3K table be among the best out there?

I am on the market for a $3K turntable. I am going back to analog after a number of years so I know little of current market. So, I did some research and stumbled across the Townshend Rock 7 and WT Amadeus tables. I've read a lot about them.. The impression one gets after reading user comments or reviews (like TAS reviews for instance) is that it's hard to get a better table, period. In a world where you can easily spend $4K on a tonearm, I found these statements to be surprising to say the least. What's so special about these turntables, and can anyone comment on the notion that it's hard to beat their performance at any price?
ggavetti
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
748 posts
 
Roscoe, agreed.
vinylmad814
62 posts
 
Sarcher30,

What sort of shortcomings do you find with the VPI classic? It just so happens I was thinking of either one of those 2 Dynavector MC's you mentioned and perhaps at a later date, going for the VPI Classic.
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alonski
158 posts
 
"It's just not possible to build and market a TT for that price and get top performance. "

Generally, I agree... unless, as in this case, a game changing relatively inexpensive idea is at the heart of the design, allowing the TT to reproduce music as clearly and accurately as ones way beyond its price. The Rock 7 is such a game changer.

Unless you've heard this 'table, you have no reason to believe me. Without the trough, the Rock sounds like a good $3000 turntable. When the trough is in use, it feels and sounds like you just swapped in a $20,000 TT.

Don't take my word for it, find a correctly set up Rock 7 somewhere and bring your reference LPs. You'll be vey impressed...
vicdamone
850 posts
 
My friend Lewm. you're absolutly correct. Thank you. Going forward I may use the word filament or fish wire.
redglobe
223 posts
 
I just completed a Lenco rebuild. It outperforms my Rega P3, and VPI TNT (it had a Teres Verus rim-drive). With a little searching you can find a used Artisan Fidelity rebuild or a Jean Nantais in your price range. It is remarkable how good a properly rebuilt Lenco can reproduce music.
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