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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
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
And should we suppose from your last comment on the Townshend that this is a table your friend is also a fan of?
ggavetti OP
143 posts
 
no, he never mentioned that. i just agree with someone who said in this thread that the townshend is such a game changer that it can really beat the heck out of more expensive gear. by the way, in terms of pricing it is not hugely more expensive than a teres. if you're patient you can find a used teres in the $6K neighborhood inclusive of the tonearm. I believe the townshend is $3K without the tonearm. add a good tonearm and you're easily in the $4.5K range. so, at that point one might even think of a teres. in any events, in the near term i just plan to enjoy the empire and maximize its performance...
spiritofmusic
828 posts
 
Yes, Townshend is a game changer. But the Trans Fi Salvation direct rim drive tt (a little out of this price range c$4000, BUT INCLUDING Terminator T3Pro air bearing linear tracking arm), is not so much a game changer, but it redefines the rules (of speed stability and tracking accuracy).
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Not in this life time!!
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
The Townsend Rock 7 is excellent as well.

I must say, I have enjoyed all the pompous, self aggrandizing discussion here.

No way a $3000 table can compare.....

You get what you paid for.....

There are a lot of great tables in that price range. I have heard better tables, but it's like anything in this hobby, after a certain level, and this is probably about right there, the next 10% improvement doubles the price. Then the next 5% improvement doubles the price again.

The Empire is a great table, just as is the Thorens line-up, and of course the Technics DD's if you get the right plinth and a nice arm. I actually bought a Yamaha PX-2 last year because I remember as a kid seeing one and thinking it had to be the greatest turntable ever. I thought it would suck by modern standards, but it sounded great, and was so easy to use and set up. I wish I had not sold it, and kept it as a secondary table.

So I will say that a table for $3k is probably within 10-15% of the best that exists. I love to see a blind test on some of these tables with some of the "experts" on this string. That would be priceless.
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