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Which turntable should I buy?

Hi all,

In the next few months I'll be looking to spend up to $2500 on a turntable. I'm currently homed in on the VPI Scoutmaster, Nottingham Spacedeck and Thorens TD 850 and am having a hard time deciding between them based on specs and reviews. I have heard none of them yet. Before I make the rounds to the dealers or just pick a good deal, has anyone compared any of these side by side?

Any others I should be considering? This is my first TT since I was a kid. The rest of my system is a Supratek Chenin, Granite Audio 861 monos and Merlin VSM-M. My music tastes are varied but include jazz, electronica, female vocals, indie pop/rock even classical.

Many thanks!
nickatkins
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rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Nickatkins:*****" This is my first TT since I was a kid. "*******

If you want to start with the LP home reproduction, I think that you have to think in an " analog system " instead of only TT. You have to look for a phono cartridge/tonearm combo, TT and phono stage ( at least ), and try to find and to choose the ones that do the best sinergy between them.
BTW, I really like your Merlins.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
My personal recommendation is to eliminate the Thorens from your list and buy either the Scout or the Nottingham. Of the two, I think the Scout represents the better value (price vs. performance), particularly given the excellent JMW 9 tonearm that is part of the package. And, if I remember correctly, the Scout offers an upgrade route to the Scoutmaster, which is an excellent TT.
theo's avatar
theo
2,331 posts
 
One more consideration is find a good used LP12 from Linn.
It is a great TT and can be modified forever.
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