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Recommendations For New Table/Arm Under $4k


Greetings All-

I'm in the midst of reconfiguring my system and I'm interested in your recommendations for a table/arm combo in the less than $4k range (new). I have a Shelter 90x cartridge from my last analog rig and an EAR 834P that I had modded by Great Northern Sound Company that I will be using as my phono section. I've previously owned a VPI Scout and a Basis 2500 Signature. I'm looking for that best bang for the buck table...

Thanks/cbd
cbd0815
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Well Bill, except you're not going to get a comparable arm in that price range. Actually the RM10 is far less tweaky and gives a lot more value in this price range.

Dave
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Actually the RM10...gives a lot more value in this price range.

Dave
Dcstep (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

Will you please specify what you mean by more value in this price range. What criteria are you using?

Thanks.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Sure Tvad, the Serac is over his price range for one, costing more like $4600 currently with a decent arm, so far as I can tell without getting a fresh quote. Included in the price of the RM-10 is a 10", carbon fiber tone arm, highly effective isolation platform, low friction magnetic repulsion bearing offsetting much of the mass of the heavy acrylic platter. Add the Speed Box II and you've still got substantial funds left over toward the cartridge within the OP's budget.

Some people, like Bill, like to switch TTs and arms regularly (he claims to have owned more than 100 TTs). If the OP is in that category, then the Pro-ject would not be a good choice; however, someone seeking a great sounding, high value selection should consider the Pro-ject.

Hopefully the OP can listen for himself. Few are as lucky as me to be so close to all this high-end audio sources in Colorado. There are several leading makers within an hour of my house and the RMAF is two blocks away, so I'm really blessed with being able to hear a lot. Still, ideally, the OP will take a few leads and find ways to audition a few leading candidates and not buy blind.

Dave
tvad
9,467 posts
 
07-25-08: Dcstep
Sure Tvad, the Serac is over his price range for one, costing more like $4600
currently with a decent arm.

The Galibier Serac package for $4045 includes an Artisan Audio tonearm.
What specifically about the Artisan Audio tonearm makes it not decent, in
your opinion?

Few are as lucky as me to be so close to all this high-
end audio sources in Colorado.

Dave

Since Galibier is located in the Boulder/Denver area, have you
visited Galibier to hear the Serac (or other Galibier offering)?

The OP states he already owns a Shelter 90x cartridge and an EAR 843P,
and is seeking a table/arm for his budget.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Well the price I saw was $4600. Unfortunately, Galibier's site made it hard for me to validate the price, so I went with another recent quote that I found on A'gon. Evidently the price I found was not the lowest available. Still, you need to factor in the cost of an isolation base.

I've only heard Galibier at RMAF, not in a home system or at their shop.

Have you been able to compare the RM-10 with the Serac? If so, what difference did you hear?

Dave
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