Vpi

[1KW]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I'm thinking the new Pro-Ject X-tension turntable with the 12" Evolution arm is worth an audition. I haven't been able to locate a US dealer that has one. This turntable has my curiosity level high enough to seek an audition. Here's two photos, one with the carbon fiber Evolution arm, the other with the Ortofon arm. Both look great.

[MC352]

I recently passed up a super sweet deal on one of these ProJect RM-9 TT's

I could have gotten it for $875, I kick myself now everytime I think about it.

[jdandy]

Chuck.......

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by gregswaim

Yep! That's what I currently have and have upgraded the power supply from the Majik to Lingo. At $3750.00, the Majik is a real bargain in my opinion. FYI- My MCD500 out preforms the fully loaded LP12 SE by a wide margin so that's why I didn't go for that. I bought my first LP12 in 1983 and kept it until June 2006 when I replaced it with a MCD201. I bought the new LP12 Majik in January of this year. The Lingo power supply adds a improvement to the overall sound and performance of the LP12. I really like the Adikt MM pickup- it preforms like a MC pickup at about 1/2 the cost which is also a great value.

Hi,
as I already said, that's your opinion and taste.
Mine is :
- my old LP12 beats my MDA 1000 by a good margin. The MDA was a bit better on my ESL pannels. But with the EB1i and their incredible dynamics, the MDA is smoked by the "old" LP12 ! Maybe your feeling is related to a speakers synergy with CD and not vinyl.
- the LP12 SE is far better than any CD playback. It beats of course the MDA 1000 / MCD1000 and it beats also the Unidisk 1.1 considered by Stereophile one of the best CD palyers ever made. My best friend has both and he does not listen to cd's anymore. The sound of the LP12SE is so amazing, that he bought more than 500 LP's within 6 months !!
- The LP12SE is the only turntable I know which could make me spend 15000 euros, the price of a MINI ONE 75 HP !

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by Alberto

A lot of SL1200 fans, would not consider it an upgrade .

Personally, after spending a few $Ks on Regas, ProJects and VPIs, all of which have been re-sold. I've decided that I don't like the sound of those brands of non-suspended tables (I can't generalize to all non-suspended.)

I was, in particular, very excited to get my hands on a VPI Aries, which I modded with a light to resemble the MT10 (see pics). I loved the looks of the table, the tonearm was great .... but it sounded HARD. It sounded very much like you think a heavy piece of MDF with a thick acrylic platter (and no mat) would sound. It was not a bad sound, just not to my liking.

To make a long story short, I second the recommendation of auditioning tables and having a VERY clear idea of the sound you want. Personally, I don't want my LPs to sound like CDs (which is what I got with the Aries and most other non-suspended tables I've tried). I want my LPs to sound noticeably smoother and warmer than CDs. That's why the Thorens TD125 with custom plinth is the ONE table I've been faithfully using for almost 5 years.

I hope this helps,

Alberto

Alberto, you're absolutely right on that point :
suspended designs have a common sound. It could be Thorens, Audio Note, Linn, Ariston, Systemdeck.... we always find warmth and smoothness and a particular texture. Even the background noise has a particular flavor.
I never noticed that non suspended designs had quite a "cd sound" but that's a very interesting note.
I will pay attention to that when I will listen closely to the Clearaudio Champion level II and the Project Xtension.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I'm thinking the new Pro-Ject X-tension turntable with the 12" Evolution arm is worth an audition. I haven't been able to locate a US dealer that has one. This turntable has my curiosity level high enough to seek an audition. Here's two photos, one with the carbon fiber Evolution arm, the other with the Ortofon arm. Both look great.

Dan,
I listened to that one at the last high end meeting in Paris.
Don't remember what cartridge was used.
It is truly a great sounding TT.
I will go for a private audition in the next weeks before the Hold-up I would have to make for the LP12 SE !

[jdandy]

Jérôme.......When you privately audition the Pro-Ject X-tension turntable be sure and let us hear about it. I am interested in your opinion of the turntable. Let us know if it has the carbon fiber Evolution 9" or 12" arm installed, or the Ortofon arm. I am also curious about the magnetic suspension in the adjustable feet. I am looking forward to more information on this turntable.

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by C220MC275

Hi,
as I already said, that's your opinion and taste.
Mine is :
- my old LP12 beats my MDA 1000 by a good margin. The MDA was a bit better on my ESL pannels. But with the EB1i and their incredible dynamics, the MDA is smoked by the "old" LP12 ! Maybe your feeling is related to a speakers synergy with CD and not vinyl.
- the LP12 SE is far better than any CD playback. It beats of course the MDA 1000 / MCD1000 and it beats also the Unidisk 1.1 considered by Stereophile one of the best CD palyers ever made. My best friend has both and he does not listen to cd's anymore. The sound of the LP12SE is so amazing, that he bought more than 500 LP's within 6 months !!
- The LP12SE is the only turntable I know which could make me spend 15000 euros, the price of a MINI ONE 75 HP !

Well, the LP12 SE is certainly the one that I would choose if I were putting together a reference vinyl playback system.

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by C220MC275

I never noticed that non suspended designs had quite a "cd sound" but that's a very interesting note.

CD-sound might not be the perfect description, but it's the term that coming to mind (and made it into my listening notes) when listening to my VPI Aries II with 10.5 tonearm. I could not fault the sound in any particular dimension - but it was hard-edged and a bit "flat" almost "too perfect". The Thorens sounded less "precise" but so much more musical to me.

Alberto

PS Love this thread!

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by Alberto

CD-sound might not be the perfect description, but it's the term that coming to mind (and made it into my listening notes) when listening to my VPI Aries II with 10.5 tonearm. I could not fault the sound in any particular dimension - but it was hard-edged and a bit "flat" almost "too perfect". The Thorens sounded less "precise" but so much more musical to me.

Alberto

PS Love this thread!

Alberto,

Yes, this thread is great !
"it was hard-edged and a bit "flat" " : These are the exact terms I use when I compare CD to vinyl. Cds are more "flat".