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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
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
+1 Zd542.
Go to Hollywood and listen to them. Even if you fly, you'll loose a lot more $$ if you buy one you're not happy with. Or you could drive and have an expert set up your choice and bring it back. Keep the UPS gorillas away from your 'table.
clio09
2,978 posts
 
The Vinyl Nirvana overhaul is not a bad idea. A friend here locally bought an AR table from Dave and it was an excellent table. I would also add SOTA to your list. They are under valued and you can go direct to SOTA and talk to them about some of their refurbished tables. Something like an older Star or Star Sapphire can be had for a very good price. They are quite stunning to look at too in those wood finishes. My old Nova Series V had a beautiful cherry finish and sounded great to boot.
djwilbourn OP
42 posts
 
Clio,
thanks for chiming in, you actually helped set my AR up with Danny a few years ago :) The Scout is getting most of the love so far, what thinks you of that table? Envious of those Jazz Modules you have fyi.
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kgturner
601 posts
 
Ellington Hifi (http://www.ellingtonhifi.com/) in Loxley, AL carries VPI, Rega, Clearaudio, and Pro-ject turntables. It's kind of a drive from Birmingham, but you could always enjoy a vacation/trip to Gulf Shores as part of your excursion. Not sure what they have in stock so definitely call first.
clio09
2,978 posts
 
David I do remember the AR table. Hope you and Danny are doing well. I miss hanging out with you guys. Don't get back that way any more though as I live in Las Vegas these days.

As for the VPI tables I am not much of a fan. Personal preference though in my comparisons with other tables like SOTA. They are well built and have good resale value so those are things to consider in your purchase.

Here is a very nice table and arm set up:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-scheu-cello-with-unipivot-cantus-tonearm-2013-04-30-analog-10017

If you recall I had the Scheu Premier back when I lived in the Magic City. These days I am a fan of vintage tables and have a refurbished Denon DP-3000. I think you would be surprised at how good a refurbished and upgraded AR table will sound. So I would still consider that option along with the SOTA.

If you see Danny tell him I said hello.
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