With apologies for the diversion re records for a moment
@chakster - I am in the same situation, from the U.S. perspective- there are many records in Europe that aren't terribly expensive but desirable and the shipping cost is sometimes equal to, or exceeds the price of the record. Also agree that "collectors" aren't looking at playing condition in the same way that we are, as "audiophiles." And, agree that a lot of the audiophile choices are overplayed, mainly for sonics, not musical content.
For R&B and soul, perhaps you can find a dealer here who will work with you and shop the records you want, and do larger shipments - it may be more cost effective. Ironically, I buy UK pressings of things like Curtis Mayfield because the US vinyl is very poor. You might consider coming for a show, like the WFMU show or the one just held here in Austin. (Though I find many of the show prices over-market, at least for known collectibles but for garden variety, you can do well).
Back to topic:
I have an original SP-10, not a mkii, which I had restored by Bill Thalmann recently. I know it is not regarded in the same league as the mk ii or iii, but I've owned it since new, and needed a table for a second system. I have not yet installed an arm, but am eager to hear what this sounds like over my vintage Quad ESL/tube system.
It will be interesting to see the repercussions in the market of this new table, including the aftermarket plinths, etc.
regards,
bill hart
@chakster - I am in the same situation, from the U.S. perspective- there are many records in Europe that aren't terribly expensive but desirable and the shipping cost is sometimes equal to, or exceeds the price of the record. Also agree that "collectors" aren't looking at playing condition in the same way that we are, as "audiophiles." And, agree that a lot of the audiophile choices are overplayed, mainly for sonics, not musical content.
For R&B and soul, perhaps you can find a dealer here who will work with you and shop the records you want, and do larger shipments - it may be more cost effective. Ironically, I buy UK pressings of things like Curtis Mayfield because the US vinyl is very poor. You might consider coming for a show, like the WFMU show or the one just held here in Austin. (Though I find many of the show prices over-market, at least for known collectibles but for garden variety, you can do well).
Back to topic:
I have an original SP-10, not a mkii, which I had restored by Bill Thalmann recently. I know it is not regarded in the same league as the mk ii or iii, but I've owned it since new, and needed a table for a second system. I have not yet installed an arm, but am eager to hear what this sounds like over my vintage Quad ESL/tube system.
It will be interesting to see the repercussions in the market of this new table, including the aftermarket plinths, etc.
regards,
bill hart