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TT opinions please

I've been lurking in the background for several days now, and I've observed that there are quite a few knowledgeable souls out there. I've been into audio for better than 20 years, (with several unexplained lapses), and I've floated back into vinyl. It's definately time to swap out the old TT, (a B&O TX w/MMC3), and I'm considering several alternatives, among them:
Rega P3 w/ Origin Live RB250, New
Arison RD11s w/ AQ arm, Used
Basis 1400 w/RB300 arm, Used
VPI 19jr. w/ AQ arm, Used
Linn LP12, several flavors of arms, used
maybe a Pro-Ject Perspective, New
or perhaps a Michell Gyro SE w/ RB300, New

Some of these I've heard, most of them I have not. I tend to prefer fairly sharp highs, moderate midrange bloom, and a tight bottom end. This will be connected thru a Musical Fidelity XLP, Adcom 750 preamp, Parasound HCA-1200 and PSB Stratus Golds.

I'm not exactly poor, but I am cheap! Any thoughts, opinions, directives, etc? Thanks in advance for the help!
geezer
musicdoc
320 posts
 
Rfj - I'm not sure what you consider "affordable," but moreso out of curiosity I purchased a new Denon DL-103 from a shop in Germany delivered for $120. At the price the performance of this low-output MC is extraordinary. I paid over 12 times as much for my main cartridge, and I find myself in no big hurry to switch back. Also, although this is not the most sought-after 103, I believe that Van den Hul will re-tip the Denon for a nominal fee, thus improving an already time-proven design. Just food for thought.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
geezer, lotsa good adwice here, & i don't see how ya could go wrong w/*any* of the recommendations. my only ting to ad is, whatever ya finally choose, go *used*. yule definitely maximize the bang-fer-buck. for ~$1800, i have an oracle 'table, updated to mk-v specs w/exception of motor/power-supply, but that's ok, cuz i got the origin-live motor/power-supply instead! also have a fully-tweeked o-l rb-250 arm. all for $1800, delivered, purchased in increments - i couldn't be happier! and, unless i win a lottery & have to have someting *really* cool-looking, i'm done w/turntable upgrades! :>)

rfj, my $225 ortofon mc25-fl is great, at its price-point. no hum in my system, fwiw... there's a guy on a-gon selling a kontrapunkt (sp?) for $369, sounds like a good deal to me...

doug s.

billwill
1 posts
 
Hi Albertporter
I have a ST-7 and the speeds are incorrect, I tried the adjustment but that does not work. What are your feeling?
BILL WILL
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 
Rfj, If you have been reading the recent threads you will see I suggest for the best low budget cartridges Audio Technica -440ml if you need a moving magnet(MM) cartridge. If your pre amp will accept moving coils (MC) then the Audio Technica atc OC9 or the Dennon 103R. These 2 models are low output moving coils and you need to have a phono section with a lot of gain to drive them.
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 
Rfj if $800 (new list price) is afforable, then its a no brainer, The Shelter 501mkII. Another low output moiving coil.
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