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Upgrade Opinions, Thorens vs VPI

I'm looking to possibly upgrade to a better turntable.

My current setup is a Thorens TD166 MKII with the original tp11 tonearm. The table has a few mods including a solid cherry plinth and birch bottom with sorbothane feet. It also came with the 10mm spindle bearing, same one used on the TD160.

Amp: Rogue audio Sphinx 
Preamp: MM preamp built into the Sphinx
Cartidge: Shure M97xe with SAS stylus
Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver 8

The components listed above are my recent upgrades. I now think my table is due for an upgrade. 

I am considering installing a Jelco SA750D tonearm on my Thorens, since the tonearm is likely the weakest performing part of the table, or going with a completely new table.

I am considering the following tables:

Rega Planar 3 (possibly not a big leap?)

Rega RP8

VPI Classic 1 

Acoustic Signature Wow XL with Rega arm.

I am leaning toward the VPI, partly because I really like its look, but I do want the best sounding table under $3000 (subjective I know). Overall, I'm pleased with the current sound from my Thorens, so maybe the best bang for my buck would be a new tonearm. Some members have claimed that a Debut Carbon will blow the doors of a TD166, but in my personal experience, it's the opposite. So I'm thinking I'd probably need to spend over 1K for a real sonic upgrade over my Thorens.

Anyone have experience with VPI tables versus Thorens TD16X series? Any advice is welcome.
helomech
stewart0722
171 posts
 
I used a high output benz S on my Classic 1 that I sold several years back.....

VPI tables, both with 3D as well as the metal JMW Arms are very agreeable with Ortofon carts.....

I think you would find the color you're after with the 2M black, but I wouldn't buy any cart used..........all VPI dealers can get Ortofon thru VPI...and you should be able to get a new one w/ support in the 5s, as you've said......if you decide to move beyond that, I'd look @ Soundsmith, but you're not going to improve on the 2M Black by much....

I would pick this outstanding MM cart over any HOMC
helomech OP
766 posts
 
Thanks tablejockey, 

The classic Signature was over my budget. 

I'm now considering a Soundsmith Carmen or Grado Sonata2 which would work with my current phono stage.
tablejockey
743 posts
 

I have only heard the top dog-Strain Gauge and Sussuro Soundsmith carts.They naturally, were amazing. Likely the rest of the line is similar in their price points.
 
I had the Zephyr in mind when choosing the ART 9. The SS carts are a great match with VPI. At the time, the only reason I chose the ART9 is because I liked the sound of the existing cart-ATOC9III. Figuring the ART9 would improve on the weaknesss of the OC9, it was a gamble that payed off. If I ever get the itch, I would like to try the Aida or Zephyr MIMC.



helomech OP
766 posts
 
The most appealing aspect of the SoundSmith carts is the relatively low cost of retipping vs MCs. 

I've noticed cartridge prices are skyrocketing. Many carts cost 20% more than at this time last year. 
turntablemat's avatar
turntablemat
33 posts
 
We fired up a Zephyr Mimic Star for the first time today on one of the first Prime Signature and being totally ice cold it was very musical with a firm focus.  We actually did a spur of the moment live stream with it.  SS cartridges go very nice with our tables!
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