2. analog
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Two part question about modern and good looking

Firstly, I want to know what constitutes a modern table? Many of the so called modern tables seem to have a design that is very similar to many of the vintage tables. Is the arm design better now, then say a dynavector 501? And in this does the modern design take hold, or is there more to the tables being different.

Secondly I am looking for another table, one that is less fussy than my Linn, and one that looks good. I like the look of the Oracle's, as well as some of the Sota's I have seen, other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I am looking for something less expensive than the Linn if that is possible, and leaning towards the oracle premiere advertised on here. Any ideas and help are needed.
gsxr750ccs
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
Table designs tend to fall into about 3 or 4 categories:

- industrial (i.e. Oracle)
- wood/old fashioned (SOTA)
- eye candy (Clearaudio)
- form following function (VPI)

All have their good and bad design points, and a certain way of approaching the same problems in the medium. Whichever you like depends on the preferences of your own "eye".

I think it's less about "modern" and more about the art form within the design and how that appeals to you. I say this because all of the above styles are still being produced and improved upon by manufacturers. Modern is probably more about true improvements in the medium that improve performance, than the cosmetics.

Enjoy,
Bob
amater
56 posts
 
There could not be fundamental changes because the turntable's working principle remains unchanged - the equably spinning platter, cartridge bearing tonearm, cartridge with cantilever and needle (which converts mechanical vibrations into electrical current). Since I follow the development of the turntables it has gone (and it is still ongoing) in two areas - the changes that (should) improve the sound, and aesthetic changes (design).
A.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Record replay is a mature technology, so improvement will come mostly in the form of refinement, not radical innovation. Outward styles change, as Amater suggests, but cad/cam, finite element analyis, NC machining, etc. allow for better execution of what is a pretty old design brief. In a sense, there is no modern turntable, all turntables are modern no matter when they were made.
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