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Turntable Swamp. . .what to buy?

So, I have gotten overwhelmed with trying to decide on which turntable I want. I currently have an 1980's AR "The Turntable" with original AR arm and no mods. It has exposed me to the natural sound of analog. This is my only analog experience thus far. So, of course, I want to upgrade to something capable of more resolution. When I place new pressings on the AR I can tell I am missing something.

My current system consists of a Primaluna Prologue 2 w/onboard phono, Custom Eton 2-ways with 8inch midwoofers and tweets, Blue Jeans cables, and an AT 440mla cartridge.

The choices I have narrowed it down to are:

-Michell Tecnodec, love the look, users seem to be happy, but not a lot of info and difficult to find used so far.
-Nottingham Horizon, same as above.
-Rega P25 like the look, but pricey and a hassle to upgrade to the TTPSU that everyone seems to insist on as an upgrade.
-Rega P5 seems solid and liked but not so attractive.
-Rega RP6, dressed up P3-24, some say it sounds lean.
-VPI Scout, some grumbles about the tonearms, otherwise a good performer, kind of ugly.
-VPI Traveler, can get a used scout for the same cash and there seems to be confusion v1&2.
-Send my AR to VinylNirvana for an overhaul, price could approach or exceed the above tables.

So, I am all twisted up trying to decide which one to purchase? Your advice is appreciated.
djwilbourn
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Are you anywhere that you could audition any of these? If not I'd buy from a retailer that has a good return policy. Music Direct carries a number of the brands you mention. Chris at Music Direct would also be a good guy to discuss these options with.

And for sub-$2000 tables I would add to your list: the Avid Ingenium and the Well Tempered Simplex.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,699 posts
 
I went from an old Thorens TD166mkII to a VPI Classic 1 and the improvement was staggering with regard to bass improvement and the blackness of the background also isolation from footfalls. I would expect the scout would elicit the same improvements. I would buy the VPI and not look back.

Also vpi offers excellent customer support. They even e-mailed me on a Sunday when I had a question.

Chuck
sbrownnw
652 posts
 
@djwilbourn, I'm having a RP6 setup this weekend and will be using a double sided suede leather mat instead of the thin sound factory wool one. Many say this is a great sounding combo.

I was in possession of a V2 Traveler for 1 week. Didn't put a cart on the arm, but did power it up to make sure it was received ok and did not like the belt chatter on startup, but that is my opinion...
zd542
5,339 posts
 
You can't go wrong with any of the TT's you are considering. That said, I say get a VPI Scout. The price is excellent for what you get and the upgrades are excellent as well. You should never need another TT. There's nothing wrong with the arm, either. You can get one from Music Direct. I've bought some stuff from them. You can get a good deal but don't count on good service. If you have to go mail order, Larry at Hollywood Sound in FL would be a better choice if you want good advice and help with setup. Also, I've been to his store. I'm pretty sure he has every TT on your list in stock ad on display.
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