2. analog
  3. 1058745046

Who will survive? One last table til I die.

I want to buy a final turntable (call it 25 years worth of use until I can't hear or don't care). I want to be able to get parts and have it repaired for the next quarter century. I would also like the sound quality to be near the top or upgradable to near the top for that time period. I don't necessarily require that the manufacturer be solvent that long (the preferable situation), but otherwise the parts would have to be readily available and the design such that competent independent repair shops be able to fix it. I won't spend more than $10,000 and prefer (but don't require) an easy set up that doesn't need constant tweaking. I'm willing to pay for the proper stand and isolation needed over and above the initial cost.

I've got 9,000 LPs, and it doesn't make sense to start over replacing them with CD/SACDs (although I have decent digital equipment) even if I could find and afford replacements. Presently I have a CAT SL-1 III preamp and JL-2 amp, Wilson speakers, Sota Cosmos table, SME IV arm, and Koetsu/Lyra Clavis/AQ7000nsx cartridges.

Thanks in advance for your input. Steve
suttlaw
herman
1,974 posts
 
You have a fine analog system, and since Sota is still in business, why not contact them about about bringing your table up to current standards if it isn't already. Then purchase whatever parts they predict may wear out in the next 25 years (motor, bearings, ????) and purchase a few of those.

I think that would have to be a lot less than the $10,000 you have in your budget. That leaves you with plenty of money to play with some different arms and cartidges and buy some new vinyl.
gladstone
296 posts
 
In your price range, you should get a VPI HR-X. Then get a separate phono stage. With the number of records you have, it's more than justified. As good as the CAT phono stage it, it doesn't stand up to a separate like ARC, Manley, etc. I had the Linn; it's not even close compared to other tables like VPI, SME, etc.
sean
6,229 posts
 
I agree with Herman. Other than the basic "wear & tear" items such as belts, bearings, springs, etc.. you might want to think about purchasing another arm and / or the parts to repair the arm that you have. Depending on which way that you go, you may need another armboard too. I would advise against "stocking up" on phono cartridges as these DO deteriorate with age. I'm primarily talking about the rubber / plastic materials used in the suspension. If you can find a way to keep them "air tight", they may last quite a while though. Sean
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bkonig
127 posts
 
I've had a Basis Debut Gold since 1989. Great table, easy to set up, stays set and the company is still around.

As far as phono stages, I directly compared the Klyne 7 PX 3.5 phono stage to the CAT that was current back in 1996. No contest. The Klyne was in another league compared to the phono in the CAT. My Groove was better than my Klyne. I recently purchased the Steelhead which is better than the Groove (although the Groove is a superb unit). Moral of the story is that a better phono stage is important to get the most out of a top flight analog system. I am of the opinion that a phono stage upgrade would make a bigger difference than the table. Good Luck.......
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
sean...regarding deterioration of phono cartridges over time, I think it is the elastomer (rubber) in the stylus mounting that hardens over time, and if left unused (unflexed) for a time. I can't think of anything in the cartridge body that would age.

I suspect that storing your spare stylus in the refrigerator or freezer would preserve it. Just thaw it out before use.
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