Vpi

[1KW]

I have a technic SL1200 MK5 with a AT440mla going to my C220. The sound is enjoyable. I have been thinking of about a turntable upgrade and was wondering if the VPI scout would be a lateral move or a upgrade ? Should I just look at changing my tonearm/cartridge and keep the technic ?

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by 2uberoller

I have a technic SL1200 MK5 with a AT440mla going to my C220. The sound is enjoyable. I have been thinking of about a turntable upgrade and was wondering if the VPI scout would be a lateral move or a upgrade ? Should I just look at changing my tonearm/cartridge and keep the technic ?

VPI,in my opinion, would be a upgrade. I would suggest going out and auditioning at least a few TT's so that you'll get a idea of the differences between your current Technics TT and others.
For the money that you would spend on a VPI TT, you might want to also check out Rega TT's as well.

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by 2uberoller

I have a technic SL1200 MK5 with a AT440mla going to my C220. The sound is enjoyable. I have been thinking of about a turntable upgrade and was wondering if the VPI scout would be a lateral move or a upgrade ? Should I just look at changing my tonearm/cartridge and keep the technic ?

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

[gregswaim]

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

It might be time to move up to a Linn Lp12?

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by gregswaim

It might be time to move up to a Linn Lp12?

For "moi" or David?

Alberto

P.S. I guess you are thinking of both of us

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by gregswaim

It might be time to move up to a Linn Lp12?

The new Linn Majik might be the ticket (at a reasonable price)...

Alberto

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by Alberto

For "moi" or David?

Alberto

P.S. I guess you are thinking of both of us

Both. Buy once and buy right. The LP12 is still the most upgradeable TT in the world. Alberto, if your looking for a warmer sound from your LP's you might want to check out a phono stage from Audio Research- those tubes will give you quite a bit of warmth in the sound.
If you guys have a tight budget, then it's probably best to keep what you already have. Really good vinyl playback setups cost quite a bit these days- just the way it is.

[jdandy]

Alberto.......Very creative with the light mod on the VPI. Quite attractive. It's a shame the sound didn't rise to the beauty.

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by Alberto

The new Linn Majik might be the ticket (at a reasonable price)...

Alberto

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.

[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.