$6-7k to Spend on Turntable


Hi All,

My old Oracle Mark II I have had for years has developed a serious problem with the motor. It plays very fast then slow and anywhere in between. I've decided not to fix it but get a new unit. The arm mounted on it is an SME IV, which I have been very pleased with.

I don't have time to demo a bunch of setups, I'd just like to move ahead on a replacement as soon as I can firm up a good replacement. A few ideas I have come up with within my price range:

- Verdier Platine and mount my old SME IV
- VPI TNT Mk 6 and figure out how to mount my old arm or spend some extra and get the JMW 12.5 if it is an improvement over the SME

Or is there something else out there that I should be considering? I don't tend to follow a lot of the reviews. I usually buy something then use it for years.

Other gear is AR SP-8 and VT-200 driving some Final 0.4s

Thanks,

Ken
iflyfisher
Dear Ken: +++++ " I have no objections to buying used either. " +++++

With this option you have a very wide horizon to choose your TT: Verdier is one of the greatest TT's out there ( excellent choice ), SME 20: does not needs any presentation, Avid Acutus, Acoustic Signature, Basis ( the ones that had vacuum hold-down record.), Galibier, etc.,,,,,,

I agree with you about the acrylic TT's and I can tell the same for the wood ones, like Teres.

Now, for that money maybe you can get your TT and a better cartridge ( the SME IV is a very good tonearm, no problem here. ). In this way you can have a great quality improvement over what you have today. Think about.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Any Teres from the 265 on up is a great way to go. These tables are a great value. Hard to beat at any price.
I agree with the Teres 265 or better. I doubt you will have any problem using your existing arm and cartridge. Do email Chris with any questions. Also, your available real estate will work fine with this table.