Help deciding which TT


A little background.

I currently have a Rega RP1 w/Ortofon 2M Blue. It seemed great until I added a subwoofer. The sub is exhibiting woofer pumping when attempting to play vinyl. The problem even occurs if I place the needle on a record without the motor running, and then increase the volume. As the volume increases (again, the patter is not moving), the subwoofer (Martin Logan Grotto I) will start to pump. Eventually the sound becomes audible.

That IMO eliminated any motor, or bearing issues.

I've moved my TT to a wall shelf which seemed to have greatly reduced the pumping, but it's still present. I'm at the point where I'm thinking about purchasing a higher quality table. Here are some options I'm considering.

1) Brand new Clearaudio Concept w/ Clearaudio MM $1600
2) Demo Rega RP6 w/Exact Cart (full warranty) $1500
3) Lightly Use VPI Scout JR w/Ortofon 2M Black $1300
4) Used VPI Traveler V2 w/2M Black (200 hrs) $1000

I understand that I may have still have the same issue, but I'm hoping a better table will reduce/eliminate the issue. Any thoughts on the above tables?

Thanks
mustangjeff
What type of phono preamp do you have? You may be able to make some adjustments that may help fix the problem.

Since the problem started when you added the sub, I don't see why the problem can't be with that also. How do you have it connected to your system? If you're using an LFE output on your preamp, do you also use the LFE input on the sub?
You are experiencing acoustic feedback. There are two types, structure borne, which enters through the rack, or stand, and is transmitted through the TT suspension, and airborne, in which sound waves directly excite the plinth of the turntable.

Since you have already made a very smart move and gone to the wall shelf it might be best to try to determine if the remaining issue is structure borne or airborne.

You might try removing the record player from the wall shelf and placing a glass of water on the shelf. Play another source, CD or streaming, whatever you have, and observe the water for movement. Heavy movement will likely indicate structural issues, in which case a TT with a different plinth may help as well as putting a bicycle inner tube under the turntable. It is also possible that a high-pass filter will help, such as the one marketed by KAB. For me that is a last resort as this does have an effect on phase response in the audible range, and adds a set of interconnects, but in some instances it is a perfect cure that eliminates the problem.

If it is airborne, then you have to look at moving the turntable to a place that will excite it less. Play a CD with heavy bass and move your head where you might site the turntable. You will hear areas of greater and lesser bass accentuation. See if you can move the turntable to a place that has less bass accentuation. That will often help.

I hope that helps a bit.
Another avenue of concern is a grounding issue. If the turntable is not running, I'm wondering if feedback is the problem. Do all the grounding tricks....eliminate the 3rd pin of the sub via a cheater, reverse the plug, using an extension cord, plug the sub into an outlet at the other end of the house, etc. When you find the troll, you then can figure out how best to fix it. Let us know....