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
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
3,074 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.
dnlyko
26 posts
 
I was in the same situation with over 1000 LP's. I got a tremendous amount of advice and finally settled on the following:

Michell Gyro SE II:
http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/tur1.html#gyrose

Origin Live RB250:
http://www.tonearm.co.uk/index.htm

Aragon 47k w/IPS:
http://www.klipsch.com/mondial/index2.asp?path=/products/mondial/index.asp?frame=y&id=&line=&1

Koetsu Redwood

I consider the table and arm a STEAL at full list price. The 47k can be found used very cheap. As for cart, well there you need to do some homework. I got the Koetsu as a demo cheap. I hope this is helpful.
pctower
54 posts
 
I started with a Basis 1400 and Origin Live Modified RB250 (within your price range). As I could afford it, I upgraded the Basis table and received full retail credit from Basis for the one I traded in. I am now up to the 2500. My next upgrade will probably be to the vacuum 2800. At one point, I sold the RB250 for almost as much as it cost me and upgraded to the Graham 2.2.

The Basis 1400/Origin Live RB250 is really a very good table and you have a clear upgrade path ahead all the way to the DebutV/Graham 2.2 combination, without any loss of your prior investment.

Basis tables are incredibly easy to set up and maintain and every table in their line will bring out the magic in vinyl.
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