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I NEED YOUR HELP with a turntable purchase

Hello Everyone,

I need your help with my first high end turntable purchase.
I will be purchasing in May.

I am looking for a really good turntable for my system. I am not sure which way to go. I checked out a Spiral Groove, and so far I really like that one, mainly for it's no nonsense approach and the ease of use. I have also heard about Basis, SME. SME seems to get really great reviews and their owners really seem to like them. I don't quite understand the significant upcharge to US customers though.

my budget is around $15-30k, hopefully including tonearm and cartridge. i could spend a bit more if necessary. i am NOT necessarily looking for the most expensive turntable, but I want the most bang for my bucks. The phone preamp will be Audio Research Phono Ref2.

the rest of my system consists of:
Preamp: Audio Research Anniversary Ref 40
Amps: Audio Research 610T
Speakers: Wilson Audio Maxx 3
Digital: dCS Scarlatti stack

I would appreciate and help you can give me.

thanks!!
jon_p
isochronism
1,447 posts
 
any comments from the peanut gallery?
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,699 posts
 
I would buy a VPI irrespective of what I had to spend.

Chuck
jon_p OP
46 posts
 
Thanks again to all of you.
Thanks for your input too Chuck.
I do appreciate all of the feedback because i want to hear from people with first hand knowledge of some of these turntables. i don't want to make a mistake. of course i don't have to spend that amount of money on a table, and would not mind spending even less. i do want something that will match well with my system though.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Jon, your question was answered about the other tables with the suggestions.

A Garrard with a new plinth is a great sound too.

I'm leaning toward to the Sota Recommendation right now.

Great upgradable table, with a great resale if you decide to get out.

Sota Cosmos, Graham Phantom, Ortofon A-90, your done!!!
rello
308 posts
 
I have been using Avid TTs Volvere and now Sequel SP since 06. If I had your $$'s Id be looking at an Avid Acutus Reference. Add SME V and one of the many high end cartridges and you would have one of the best setups available. No one combines the qualities of a suspended and non-suspended table like Avid. Ad great engineering, workmanship and ease of set-up and use and the decision is easy in my opinion.
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