2. analog
  3. 1080832750

Out of production reference turntables



Hi Folks:

I am sure that there are a sizeable bunch of us who have no qualms about purchasing a piece of gear who's manufacturer no longer exisits but the sound and build quality is fantastic and reliable.

In the analog realm the modern turntable that is my benchmark for the sound I prefer is the VPI TNT.

When I was first seriously getting into this hobby, I remember reading about a few top end tables that, at the time, were considered the best. I would like to get some opinions as to how the following reference tables compare to gear made today using the VPI "signature sound" as a comparison.

1. Goldmund Reference
2. Forsell Air Reference
3. Rockport (any model except the Sirius)
4. Oracle

Thank you for reading.

D.H.
danhirsh
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Mike, ever hear the Tube Research Labs table? If anyone has, it is probably you! :-) I know of it only in lore.
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
no, i've only read about that rumor on the web recently. i do know Paul but never heard him speak about making a tt. i've been out of circulation for the last year or so.....maybe it's out there.

Paul came to our local club meeting last year and did a 'live' recording there of solo 12 string guitar.....and played it back in a few different formats.....that was a treat. he is a pretty talented guy.....i have heard his amps a few times. he thinks his new DAC and transport is better than the Meitner....it may be (i haven't heard it).

i guess i better get back into the 'fray' if i want to maintain my reputation. :)
jes453dc3
65 posts
 
Considering Paul uses the ADC8 and DAC8, he may well know?
fcrowder
191 posts
 
I owned a Goldmund Reference prior to the purchase of a Rockport Sirius and on changing experienced a rather dramatic improvement. I have two friends who own Rockport Capellas and both sound phenomenal. I had a problem with my 15 year old motor controller and Andy Payor was happy to help. With respect to the Rockport, there is very little to break.
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
jes45, my doubts about Paul's digital being better stem from the fact that Paul's context is while using a hard drive into the Meitner and into his dac. since Paul doesn't have a transport that will input consumer software into the Meitner (the best way) he has no way to compare actual performance with real cd's and sacd's. the Meitner approach to jitter control (slaving the clock into the dac and using the ST optical cable)is really unique.....and to my knowledge not used by Paul on his dac.....so in any case unless you can actually compare the 2 approaches fully optimized you would just be guessing.
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