Turntable/cartridge/tonearm suggestions

First, let me say that I haven't heard your phono stage or preamp, but from your description of events, it appears your system became flat, uninvolving, and lost its timing when you replaced your Naim pieces with tube gear, so I'm wondering why would you conclude that the problem is with the turntable, cartridge, or tonearm.

For what it's worth, in my limited exposure to tube gear, no, I've never heard a tube-based setup that I was happy with, whether using my LP12 or a Well Tempered Record Player. Years ago I tried conrad-johnson and McIntosh tube gear, and found the original Naim Nait far more involving to listen to. I eventually settled on the then-new Linn LK1/LK2 package and enjoyed it for almost 20 years. Recently, I brought home some tube gear that a local audio dealer was excited about and found it far less enjoyable than my much more modestly-priced Audio by Van Alstine solid state equipment.

You may well find a turntable package you like better with your current gear, but it could also be that you need electronics with temporal capabilities a little closer to what you had with Naim. By the way, how long did you use Linn and Naim together? You said your LP12 came stock with the 9CC arm, so I'm thinking you can't be that much older than when you started.

Jrtrent

You raise a very valid point. Let me clarify my muddled thinking. The Linn/NAIM combination worked very well but I grew tired of its sonic signature. It was a little too analytical and forward for me. On days when I was looking for an involved listening, it was great. But, on days when I just wanted to relax with music, it was too much.

I switched to tube gear with a view that it will give me a warmer sound with a little sacrifice on the detail retrieval. With my digital sources, thats exactly what I have managed. Listening to CDs/hard drive, the sound is just perfect - smooth, relaxed and almost analog like. I dont mean that it is better than my NAIM gear - it is different and I like it better. My problem is that while my digital music has come closer to my tastes, my analog setup has taken a turn for the worse. The Linn does not sound well with the tube gear and in fact, I think my CDs sound more analog than the Linn!

So, I was interested in hearing suggestions for turntables etc. that the experts might view as a better fit for my preferences - smooth and musical. I am not thinking that the table needs to be better than a Linn but something that better meets my taste.

As of now, the only tables that I seem to be able to audition very easily are
VPI - classic and scoutmaster
Scheu-Analog
Acustic Raven

Other tables that I can audition with a little more effort, which means I would like to have an opinion before I put in the effort are:
Amazon
Ayre DPS
Avid Volvere

Thanks.

Also check out the Superscoutmaster rim drive. It has everything the Classic has, plus a much more powerful low end. The classic sounds a bit quicker,and lighter because it is missing that powerful low end foundation, especially with the Superplatter.

not for the faint of heart, but the london/decca cartridges are lively as all get-out.

I was also a long term (20+ years) Linnie. I auditioned several of the tables you are considering. I ultimately purchased a Galibier turntable and have been extremely happy with my decision.

In your price range I would suggest the following:

Galibier Serac - $3250
Durand Talea Tonearm - $4500
Dynavector XV1-s cartridge - $5250 (Alternatively Ortofon A90 @ $4250)

The Talea arm is a demo show special from RMAF (http://www.galibierdesign.com/bargain.html)

Thom Mackris is the owner/designer of Galibier and is a terrific resource for optimizing your analogue 'bang for the buck'.

If you are interested in a listen, Thom can often arrange an audition with an owner in your area.