My next turntable, looking for ideas

[1KW]

I have been using my Technic SL1200 mk V for the last 1 1/2 years and experimented with a few different MM cartridges. I started off this way as a experiment to see it I would like vinyl before investing thousands. I enjoy the hunt for new vinyl when I go to various record stores and yes the nostalgia of finding music from my youth. I do not have room in my rack to add a external phono pre amp so for now the C220 will have to do. I have thought about upgrading the tonearm with a SME 309 or MK V which could always be put on another TT later on. I like the convenienc of the controls on the Technic ie power on and off in the front as I have my tt on a slide out drawer. I like being able to adjust the VTA without taking the TT apart although not having this feature is not a deal killer. What would you recommend as the next step ?

[MC352]

I like these two -

There are two pictures of each one.


The JA Michell GyroDec SE



and this one

The Clearaudio Performance CMB Turntable

[1KW]

Chuck,

The first 2 are works of art.

[MC352]

Yeah, I really like that one.

[PHC1]

David, take a look here to get some ideas and also give Jeff of A/v Solutions a call! The Hanss tables seem to be great value.

www.needledoctor.com

[cmalak]

I am looking into a VPI Classic for my first vinyl rig. The JMW 10.5i SE tonearm that comes with the table has VTA adjustment but not on the fly. You can order the JMW 10.5i tonearm with VTA on-the-fly adjustment for a $700 upcharge. The table has gotten a lot of good press and the retail channel is back-ordered. VPI does not seem to be able to keep up with the demand right now so it sounds like wait times are in the 1-3 months range. Here are a few pics. The left is with the tonearm that ships as is with the table ($2500) and the right is with the VTA on-the-fly adjustment tonearm ($3200):



Here are some additional pics:







It also comes in a black plinth. Here are reviews from Hifi+ and The Audio Beat:

http://www.vpiindustries.com/pdf/vpi...ic_reprint.pdf
Golden Ear Club | AVguide

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by cmalak

I am looking into a VPI Classic for my first vinyl rig. The JMW 10.5i SE tonearm that comes with the table has VTA adjustment but not on the fly. You can order the JMW 10.5i tonearm with VTA on-the-fly adjustment for a $700 upcharge. The table has gotten a lot of good press and the retail channel is back-ordered. VPI does not seem to be able to keep up with the demand right now so it sounds like wait times are in the 1-3 months range. Here are a few pics. The left is with the tonearm that ships as is with the table ($2500) and the right is with the VTA on-the-fly adjustment tonearm ($3200):

It also comes in a black plinth. Here are reviews from Hifi+ and The Audio Beat:

http://www.vpiindustries.com/pdf/vpi...ic_reprint.pdf
Golden Ear Club | AVguide

They reviewed the unit in Hi Fi + recently and were very high on it. That might be the review you are posting from AVguide.

[cmalak]

Jim...It is. But the review is still part of the Golden Ear Club (GEC) section of AVGuide.com and has not yet been released into the free part of the site. So if you are not a GEC member you will not be able to access the review for a little while longer. For those folks who receive Hifi+ or who buy it occassionally off the news stands, the review appeared in Issue 168. And I believe Roy Gregory did a follow-up in a subsequent issue, reporting on the use of certain tweaks/accessories with the table (like the ring clamp, HRX center weight, and the Synchronous Drive System (SDS) which is a motor speed controller and a power line isolator). I have not seen the follow up though.

[two dot]

David,

I was going to recommend this same VPI table. I think that it is a standout!

I have even been thinking about replacing my old trusty LINN with one. Even though the LINN is probably a better table, I like some of newer technology in the VPI.

The new LINN BASIK package. would also be a very good alternative, and infinitely upgradeable...

Good luck in your search... keep us posted.

[1KW]

Thanks for the recommendations, keep them coming.