What Turntable to Buy

I can't help with the VPI choices, but Galibier is about to release the Serac, which will be more affordable than the Gavia or Stelvio. It shares a lot of the critical parts of Thom's more expensive designs and is probably worth looking into. I believe it will include an arm as well, though I think the actual model has yet to be determined. Anyways, just a thought:-).

Agree with Raul and Mab33.

Galibier Gavia - $2250
Very probably a step up from either VPI table due to the quieter motor and the superior platter-motor coupling from a non-elastic drive belt. This type of belt is a vital component in my experience, and no VPI motor is quiet enough to use one without transmitting vibration and cogging into the platter. Thom's motor is quiet by design, so he doesn't need to isolate it from the platter with multiple rubber belts and flywheels. His motor controller is properly designed to begin with, so he doesn't need to sell you an outboard one. Choose the right components and simple jobs (turning a platter at 33 1/3) can actually be achieved with simple designs.

Tonearm of your choice - $2-3K
A well chosen tonearm in that range will outplay a JMW, especially a JMW-9 (Signature or no). The choice of arms may be influenced by your choice of cartridges, as Raul said. Contenders in this range include the Moerch DP-6 (good) and Schroeder Model Two (better). I expect people could suggest others too.

Regards,
Doug

P.S. I don't own any of the components recommended above so I'm not grinding my own axe. Just trying to help you get the best music for your money.

Thanks for all the information. I am going to be using a Benz Ebony H cartridge. I need a high output MC because I am still using my trusty CJ PV-7 preamp. As for dealers, VPI is the only brand that has a dealer that is close. All others are several hours away if I wanted to audition even though most auditions are very different than what I normally hear at home. I have about $6k to spend on tt and arm so I will try to get some info on the ones listed so I can make more of an educated purchase to get the best for the $. The rest of the system is made up of Infinity RS-1B, IRS Series 3 amps for bass columns and Krell KAV-250A for mid/tweeter panels and AZ wires throughout.

Thanks

Chad

Totally agree with Doug,Raul. I'll go out a step further to say that, if you have ears, either VPI is something you will eventually replace once you realize what you bought vs. what else better is out there for similar money. A table designed and made like the Galibier you could actually keep.
How many of each have you seen for sale used? This says alot...

Doug, While I will certainly second the recommendation of the Galibier Gavia (being a satisfied owner myself), your pricing is a bit off the mark. The basic Gavia with a PVC platter is $4500. The standard Gavia with a Gavia platter is $7000, and the price with a Stelvio platter is $8000. See Thom's site for the details.

http://www.galibierdesign.com/prd_gavia.html

Perhaps you were thinking of the new Galibier Serac which, as far as I know, has not yet been released.

Dave