2. analog
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Turntable/cartridge/tonearm suggestions

My current system:
Linn LP12 with Lyra Argoi cartridge
Art Audio Vinyl reference phono
Aesthetix Calypso signature preamp
Jeff Rowland 501 mono blocks
Wilson Duette speakers

The issue:
I had initially paired the Linn with NAIM audio gear and the fit was fantastic. As I got older, the in-your-face forward NAIM sound was getting a little too faitguing. Accordingly, I switched my gear towards the tube based art audio and aesthetix, and I like them very much. Unfortunately, the Linn looks a little out of place with the rest of the setup. Hard to describe the problem...it seems to have lost its musicality...the sound is very flat, uninvolving and seems to have lost timing.

The solution:
That's what I am hoping some of the analog veterans can come up with. I am ideally looking for a sound that is smooth, lots of separation between instruments and a little on the romantic side. While detail is important, I am willing to not be able to hear the drummer drop his handkerchief if that means the overall sounds is musical and easier on the ears. I do intend to demo as much as I can but some of the brands are not that easy to set up. I was hoping that you all can give me your first hand impressions on the following brands (and any others that I may have missed) and help shortlist the ones that will fit my preferences the best. I am hoping to spend under $10k and can go up to $15k if it makes sense.

Turntables:
VPI Classic
Avid Volvere
Acustic Raven One
Teres

Cartridge
Dynavector
Koetsu

Thanks.
lp_newbie
lp_newbie OP
8 posts
 
Thanks dodgealum and jaybo. Regarding the linn, it is not about the looks. It is more that it doesnt seem to play well with tube gear. I did have an expert look at the table. The outcome was that i need to upgrade my tonearm from the stock project 9cc. It is a valid point but i want to see a couple of other tables before investing more into the linn.

Will add sota to the list. Do you view this as a hi-fi table or more relaxed than that?
nolitan
865 posts
 
Raven One / Graham Phantom / Dynavector XV1s = popular combo
samhar
1,034 posts
 
Check out Basis tables with active suspension there're two great deals presently listed on AgoN. The Basis Debut Vacuum with Graham Phantom 1 arm is a great deal @ $8800, I'd buy it but I just bought new speakers, the Basis 2500 Sig with Calibrator base and Phantom ll arm is another great table @ $7472. Either of these tables I think would better the Linn and many others by a good margin.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Go VPI. Their sound is as good as any of the others plus there is in-depth support from the dealer and manufacturer. Did I mention higher resale value and support here on the gon?
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I am in a funny position, I am a VPI dealer with a Classic set up currently, have a Basis table also and am in the process of upgrading an LP12. I think you are not getting anything like the full capability of the Linn at present. I don't think your arm is up to the rest of your system. You can go either way, I like both the VPI and Basis, they sound quite different, as does the Raven, which two of my friends have. Or you can get more performance out of your Linn. An extremely cheap upgrade it to get the new, thinner, black mat. Cost me $25 from the Linn shop on Ebay. I have bought a new aluminum subchassy from a small company in England [Sole] for around $500, a new arm board, an external speed control from a company in HK, new springs and a Jelco 750 arm. The cost of all this is under $2K and would make a huge difference in performance according to all the forums. I haven't got mine together yet, my wife has been in the hospital 4 times this summer [much better now] and I haven't had the time or energy. If I had liked the Linn in the past I would be tempted to stay with it but all the tables you mention are very good. But different.
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