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Turntable Swamp. . .what to buy?

So, I have gotten overwhelmed with trying to decide on which turntable I want. I currently have an 1980's AR "The Turntable" with original AR arm and no mods. It has exposed me to the natural sound of analog. This is my only analog experience thus far. So, of course, I want to upgrade to something capable of more resolution. When I place new pressings on the AR I can tell I am missing something.

My current system consists of a Primaluna Prologue 2 w/onboard phono, Custom Eton 2-ways with 8inch midwoofers and tweets, Blue Jeans cables, and an AT 440mla cartridge.

The choices I have narrowed it down to are:

-Michell Tecnodec, love the look, users seem to be happy, but not a lot of info and difficult to find used so far.
-Nottingham Horizon, same as above.
-Rega P25 like the look, but pricey and a hassle to upgrade to the TTPSU that everyone seems to insist on as an upgrade.
-Rega P5 seems solid and liked but not so attractive.
-Rega RP6, dressed up P3-24, some say it sounds lean.
-VPI Scout, some grumbles about the tonearms, otherwise a good performer, kind of ugly.
-VPI Traveler, can get a used scout for the same cash and there seems to be confusion v1&2.
-Send my AR to VinylNirvana for an overhaul, price could approach or exceed the above tables.

So, I am all twisted up trying to decide which one to purchase? Your advice is appreciated.
djwilbourn
clio09
3,363 posts
 
David I do remember the AR table. Hope you and Danny are doing well. I miss hanging out with you guys. Don't get back that way any more though as I live in Las Vegas these days.

As for the VPI tables I am not much of a fan. Personal preference though in my comparisons with other tables like SOTA. They are well built and have good resale value so those are things to consider in your purchase.

Here is a very nice table and arm set up:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-scheu-cello-with-unipivot-cantus-tonearm-2013-04-30-analog-10017

If you recall I had the Scheu Premier back when I lived in the Magic City. These days I am a fan of vintage tables and have a refurbished Denon DP-3000. I think you would be surprised at how good a refurbished and upgraded AR table will sound. So I would still consider that option along with the SOTA.

If you see Danny tell him I said hello.
fingerpaws
51 posts
 
I bought a VPI Classic and it knocked my socks off! Then I added the rim weight and the improvement was obvious. After using that weight, I would not be satisfied with out it. Then I got a PS Audio Premiere Power Plant, and the turntable improved again. I think the PPP did the same thing VPI's own controller does, and I would not have expected to hear that step up so clearly. So, count me in the VPI camp. I have not owned something that gave me such pride of ownership from the audio world.
rockyboy
335 posts
 
Liked my SOTA Sapphire as well as the owners of the company. Easy to access and talk to. But bought a VPI Classic 1 after it was introduced and loved it. Traded that into VPI for a Classic 3 and will never look back. As great as the SOTA folks are, IMHO the VPI support is even better.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,517 posts
 
Hello I use a PrimaLuna Prologue 3. My turntable is a upgraded Rega p3/24 I have the groovetracer ref sub and acrylic platters and I use a Nagaoka MP200 cart. The sound is neutral to warm side. Very big soundstage and awesome at capturing the sound that's on the record. The only other table in my sights (and trust me I resist the urge all the time)would be a JA Mitchel GYRODECK SE with the custom RB250 arm.Now your talking a lot more $...in the $3to$5000.00 range. I'll keep my P3 for now :-)
bobheinatz
727 posts
 
I bought a restored Thorens from vinly nirvana and I am very happy. Check out some of the Thorens or have David do some mods on your AR.
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