What is the ultimate turntable for £2000?

[JaS]

[1200y3]

I understand the Rega feelings, that is "tell me something I don't know".

I have an SP 10, but it will go to the scrap yard if it dies. I would not get a 301 or a 401 unless it was through personal lines, mint, or free. One problem is the platter is to easily exposed to side impact, which is very hard on the bearings, and way too many moving parts and linkages. I have a huge 16 inch idler drive broadcast turntable, and it is wonderful but it has the problems a huge non mint turntable has. Age does affect big ancient turntables. But something like a Dual has great weight and balance characteristics as well as an incredible build it will not get damaged easily. Most Thorens were a bit serious, and better be in good shape. So when some turnatbles have only a spindle, platter, and motor, and some need a specialist for repair, take your pick. Dried up idler wheels, worn shafts, misaligned linkages and obsolete parts are not something you want to deal with, and they can rattle.

The great thing I always liked about turntables is how something so simple can perform throughout all time.

Technics should be able to confidently guarantee good service backup, and hey, if it fails, you can keep the platter spinning if you really wanted to.

[LanceM]

You may want to consider VPI, if you like lots of fine detail, great separation of instruments and articulation they are worth a listen. I really enjoy mine. Nice build quality too. Good luck in your search.

[howlindawg]

OP: Hey guys, I have a quarter of a million to spend on a new Car. What's the ultimate performance car I can buy for that money?

Poster#1: Can't go wrong with Ferrari, they have the performance and the tradition.

Poster#2: Ferraris are nice but also look at the Ascari A10. Loaded with technology and new ideas. It's pretty fast too!

Poster#3: You could always consider a Viper. They're a different approach to the european cars but and absolute hoot to drive.

Poster#4: Nissan Skyline. I love mine.

Poster#5: Yeah, Nissan Skyline. Spend four times the original price and it'll piss all over a Ford Focus RS.

Poster#2: We're talking about Supercars for a quarter million, why are you making comparisons to a Ford Focus in this thread?

Poster#5: Everyone always disrespects our Skylines. They're great cars. There's too much snobbery in the car world.

Poster#2: Glad you like your Skyline. (* sigh *)

(* Tongue firmly in cheek *)
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Musical fidelity X-A2 & X-LPSv3
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[1200y3]

A Continuum Caliburn comes to mind!

[flavio81]

[flavio81]

[trex90]

Michel Gyro SE w/ never connected PSU & OL Silver:) Wonderful deck for the money but with a suspended design. Might not be for everyone but mine took only like 10-20 mins to set up)

[Dadimo]

I think the reason why the Rega name comes up a lot is that there are plenty of them available new and used.
I think its the differences of opinion that make this message board great too by the way.

[WmAx]

2000 pounds will certainly get you a superb table. But you don't have to spend quite that much. 2000 pounds price range is ripe with un-needed cosmetic features on many such offerings. I would recommend spending not quite that much, and going for VPI Classic with the VPI unipivot or ClearAudio Performance with the ClearAudio Carbon Fiber Satisfy, and add a good cartridge, of course. Both are absolutely superb tables, optimized for neutral playback : both feature very low resonance chassis and arm designs. If you prefer added coloration(s), however, steer clear of these tables - they specifically are engineered and built with great car to not have coloration(s).

-Chris

[michaelwnz]

Fascinating though the Nak TX-1000 was, and it's self-centering show was mesmerising, the table sounded pretty crappy for its high asking price.

The cheaper Dragon CT was the better performer.

And you won't find a TX for anwhere near £2k.

My picks;
A new or used Well Tempered, VPI, Rega P9 or Technics SP-10.
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cheers,

[trex90]

The glass platter of Nak 1000tx was not on good terms with reviewers and even though you could add a mat to improve damping, it's not the same still.

In addition the new units cost $7500 or so) Now you can only get it used i think. I'd say it's quite overpriced for what it can do.

[michaelwnz]

And even if found, you may be too scared to use it.

All the functions were controlled by a single IC, which of course is long out of production and had no subsititutes.

If that IC is damaged all you have left is a very large, very expensive audio sculpture.

For many that may be enough.


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cheers,

[caligari]

[flavio81]