2. analog
  3. 136399-2238

Turntable recommendations around $2500

Hi everyone,

Yes, another "what do you recommend" thread.  I'll provide a few specifics to help narrow down the field.  First of all, I don't live near any audio dealers, so listening to products isn't an option.  I want to purchase through one of the various online audio dealers who offers a 30-day (or more) return policy - Audio Advisor, Music Direct, Needle Doctor, etc.  

My general parameters are:
  • approx. $2000-2500 for table only (less is better, of course, but not at the expense of sound quality) 
  • RCA or DIN output connection (no integral phono cables, which rules out Rega and Clearaudio)  experiment with aftermarket cables).
  • No unipivot tonearm (sorry, VPI)

So, with all that in mind, I'm looking at the following that meet my criteria:

  • Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon
  • Musical Hall MMF 9.3
  • Mobile Fidelity Ultradeck
  • EAT C-Major
  • ELAC Miracord 90
  • SOTA Satellite II (w/202 arm)

For what it's worth, I prefer a table that leans slightly toward the warmer side of neutral.  Would love to hear opinions from those who are using one of these tables or who have heard them and decided not to purchase. And, of course, other recommendations are welcome.

Thanks!
Scott


    
smrex13
trelja
3,215 posts
 
@erndog thank you, as well.

Like you, I also run an all tube system, and love a little richness, warmth, and excellent bass. Yes, you should listen to a few different turntables and cartridges to find where your sweet spot lies. VPI makes excellent tables, and you should give them a try. They might meet your preferences. Typically, people tend to like them with more forward cartridges like Dynavectors, Lyras, Transfigurations, and a few of the Ortofons. I ran a Dynavector 20XL with my Classic. Other turntables to give a listen to are the Rega line, maybe the P6 or even P8 and of course, the Technics SL1200GR. Again, based on the comments I’ve heard from folks like speceroo, I’m giving a lot of thought to the new Mobile Fidelity table lineup
avanti1960
225 posts
 
I had a VPI table for a few years and really loved it.  But ultimately with an all tube system and British monitors the richness was too much as well as some occasional speed instability.  
Fast forward to the Technics GR and the sound is all I could ever want from a vinyl setup.  
trelja
3,215 posts
 
For those interested, this week TAS put out a commendable review of the Mobile Fidelity UltraDeck+

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/mofi-electronics-ultradeck-turntable-and-studiophono-phonos...
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent
314 posts
 
I recently purchased the Technics SL 1200 GR. It's fantastic and you'll save about $800. Love it!
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