2. analog
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Turntable suggestions?

I'm considering adding a turntable to my existing system. I have over 1000 albums that I've collected since the 1950's. Most of them are in excellent condition, as I've always been careful about cleaning them and not leaving them out on the turntable, floor, bed, etc. to collect dust. I have at least 25 MFSL albums and even some quadraphonic albums. It's been over 20 years since I've played them. I still have my old Dual CS 604 with an Ortofon (sp) cartridge. At 2002 CES and T.H.E. Show I heard quite a lot of analog and enjoyed the warmth, beauty and natural sound the turntables produced.

My current system consists of Dynaudio Contour 3.3 speakers, Plinius SA250 MKIV amp, Audio Research Ref. Two preamp all using NBS Monitor I cables.

I'd consider around $2500 for a used turntable.
rosstaman
rcprince
3,073 posts
 
Rosstaman, are you saying $2500 just for the table, or are you factoring in any of the arm, cartridge and/or outboard phono stage you'll need into that price range? With the level of equipment you've got, I'd suggest something in the Basis 2500/Ovation or VPI Aries/TNT range, but you'll need an equally good arm, cartridge and phono stage to take full advantage of that level of table. Anything at CES catch your fancy?
rosstaman OP
455 posts
 
I was thinking, I'd like to start out with a complete set-up with possible the exception of a cartridge. What I heard at The SHOW and CES was hooked-up to such an array of different equipment and cables, that I know it would be difficult to judge how they would sound on my system. I heard an Oracle at The SHOW that was hooked-up to CAT gear. The music floated in the air. But how would that Oracle sound on my system? Anyway, I thought I'd ask audiogon members who are more knowledgeable about turntables and see what they would suggest based on my equipment.
vibeman
29 posts
 
I'd get a used REK-O-KUT (they're cheap and built like tanks)and buy lps with the extra money. Laughable how good they are compared to high end tables. I sold my LINN & my Rega3 once I realized what are waste of money & time they are compared to the old REK-O-KUTs. I've been there & I got over it fast once it heard the REK-O-KUT. But if you have to have an expensive tweaky table I understand. I just can't recommend one. Have fun!
rcprince
3,073 posts
 
I'm curious how your Dual would sound in your system, but you'd have to get a phono stage to play it. For $2500 total, I'd suggest a Well Tempered Classic table (comes with its own arm), maybe an Audio Research PH-3 phono stage (should work well with the Ref 2 line stage). Other tables I've heard that sound fine are the Mitchell Orbe and the Music Hall MMF7, but the Well-Tempered is the one that got me back into analog, a very easy to use and musical piece of equipment. Your equipment is very good, it will show up any shortcomings upstream, but vinyl is so good you probably won't care.
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