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
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,597 posts
 
I use an old Thorens TD165 right now, but would only consider upgrading to a deck/arm combo which has VTA that is adjustable "on the fly". Having adjusted the VTA on my arm and cartridge (which is a PITA) for some older mono and Shaded Dog stereo LP's (which are thicker than the norm) I realize that this is the only way to get the best out of LP's with variable thickness. My compromise for the time being is a soft piece of felt that I use on the platter to raise the thinner LP's. However this only adresses half of the problem (as I do not go to the trouble of shimming/adjusting the cartridge) and it is not a great solution. There are lots of good decks without this feature, but I suspect that this is something that would do it for finicky old me.
ohlala
1,236 posts
 
Charles - you lost me at 'hello'.
chaskelljr2001's avatar
chaskelljr2001
476 posts
 
Ramstl:

Thanks for the tip....... will do.

--Charles--
capaudio
35 posts
 
Sumiko has started selling a new model, the Project RM-9 which sells for $ 1500.00 with a first rate arm. With a few tweaks I have dicovered the sound is very close to the Michell Orbe SE II/ SME 4 combo I was using which costs $ 6250.00. The current issue of HI FI + magazine has a review. www.sumikoaudio.com has pictures and specs.

Don Kenney
HI END AUDIO
chaskelljr2001's avatar
chaskelljr2001
476 posts
 
Don:

It is interesting that you would bring up Project turntables to this discussion. Though, it seems as though that I may have already assembled a list of turntables that I would like to add to my system (the list of choices to appear below in a minute). I say this because I have just became in one of their models as well. The "Project" model that I am interested in is the "Project Perspective". This model has an isolated motor/belt-drive system just like the Michell Orbie SEII model just like you have mentioned, as well as a strikingly good looking acrylic base just like the some of the Michells and I believe some of the Oracles of years ago. It also has adjustable feet, a record clamp, and a medium mass tone arm that sort of look like the Regas, but the difference being they do have the adjustable counterweight at the rear end of the arm, and I believe that the whole platter/arm assembly is isolated from the rest of the turntable assembly. And I believe that particular model retails for $995.00. I believe if this "table" is mated to the right cartridge, then I think that I will have a "table" that will match up well with any "mega-buck" turntable priced up to about $3,000.00 or so. What do you think???

And now, my turntable shortlist like I have promised to you.

(01). Project Perspective
(02). Rega Planar 25
(03). Thorens TD125 or TD126 (used)
(04). VPI HW-19 Jr.

--Charles--
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