2. analog
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VPI aries scout, Nottingham innerspace...

I am looking for advice from people that have hands on experience with the following tables. A local dealer (s) has the following tables available. After a bad experience with buying a used table I am buying LOCAL (ten minutes away) and NEW (for a change):

a) Nottingham Innerspace with standard arm; no cartridge. Lovely turquoise base and the usual trick looking arm. retail is 1500;

b) VPI Aries Scout with radial arm.....1500 retail but might have to wait some time to get one due to high demand according to local dealer;

c) Rega p25 w/rb600.....used but "as new" for 800...no cartridge;

d) Basis..entry level (clear base, no suspension) table..no arm....1200 retail.

Please note I have an "almost brand new ( > 20 hr's)" Audio Note ARM2 (rb300 w/ litz silver wire and Audio Note 99.9% silver interconnect) with a Madrigal Carnegie cartridge in excellent condition (ie; don't need a cartridge but DO need a high quality transformer or phono preamp that can handle a low output cartridge...my McIntosh C22 preamp phono cannot quite handle the low level of this cartridge).

So, my choice is to buy one of the first three tables, sell the Audio Note arm and cartridge, and buy a cartridge, OR...buy a basic table and mount my arm and cartridge which then entails me acquiring a decent transformer or phono preamp. The second choice seems a bit more expensive to me as the sale of the Arm will help finance the purchase of a new table.

The idea of buying a table with a "same MFR arm" appeals to me at this point, too, as I do not do my own setup and service and rely on the local professional.

I am in Berkeley and am shopping at Musiclovers Audio (Nottingham, Rega, and VPI) and SF Stereo (Basis).

I am leaning toward the VPI since it is made in America and the company has been around a long time. I am leery of the Nottingham because I just had a bad experience with a company from the Isles.

I am also interested in a cartridge recommendation for any of the above rigs. A Benz cartridge, preferably high output coil and not too expensive (less than 500...), recommendation is appreciated.

Want to do it right the second time.

Regards,
Carl
c123666
jwmazur
191 posts
 
Leo Massi at Hy End Audio imports in Massachusetts 508 994-8450, is importing an Italian turnatble/arm called Bluenote. They were at the CES using a $200 Denon cartridge and impressed a lot of people, including Paul Seydor from The Absolute Sound. He wrote a piece in his show report saying that the rig had some of the most beautiful sounds at the show and, that it has every indication of being a giant killer.

I have been considering analog since I heard it a couple of weeks ago. Problem is: I don't have any records. I have been eying the Scout also. I just don't know what to do because I have so much in CD's and if I buy a turnatable package it would be on blind faith since I don't have local dealers. Plus, I don't any material to play on one.

Good Luck!
twl
3,251 posts
 
The Nottingham sounds better, but the VPI has a good upgrade abilty to take it higher than the Nottingham, eventually, if you ever want to do that. The P25 is at a lower level. The entry-level Basis would be as good as the entry-level VPI and you could use your AN arm. It's your call.

I looked at the Bluenote TT's on their website, and they look very interesting. My first impression is that they are basically a knock-off of the Michell Gyrodec, with a square base. Probably sounds alot like a Gyrodec, which is not bad.

Also consider the Dynavector 10x4 MkII cartridge. It is a very good value, and I like it better than the lower priced Benz in the high-output MC types.
basement
245 posts
 
How much is the vpi with a mount for the rb-300? That seems like a question you might want to ask. Also, how much are the upgrade cost on the vpi and how much would it take to overtake the nottingham, if it is better? (I don't know, I'm just playing devel's advocate).
Keep in mind one of the advantages of buying new from a local dealer is you should be able to try them out and see for yourself. That, right there, is going to get you the best value of anything.
tbird
33 posts
 
The VPI Scout.The best right know.
pcosta
241 posts
 
If I had your choices, I would go for the Nottingham. I had a chance to listen with a RS labs tonearm and Shelter cart. One of the most pleasing and musical tables I have ever heard. If you like rock and music that is not especially recorded well I think you will like this table a lot. Since you already have and arm, just get yourself a good tranny or phonostage for your cart.
The size of the tables may be a considerations as well, the Nottingham may be easier to accomidate.
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