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New TT ideas please

I'm doing a major upgrade to my system with the new electronics likely to be Audio Research REF3/110/PH7 (though may be PH5 in the interim)/Verity Parsifals. My Roksan Radius 5 is going to find a loving home, but I need some ideas of what to look at. Here are a few that appeal to me visually and reputationally, and a few that I've heard (all similar $$ roughly, budget seems to be about $6-$7.5k for table and arm):

1. Clearaudio Ambient (looks simple to setup and use), unify arm
2. Rega P9 with the 1000 arm (again, simple setup)
3. Michell Gyrodec or Orb (with the acrylic platform and cover)
4. Transrotor Atlantis with Origin Live tonearm
5. Redpoint turntable (a long shot) - looking for opinions

Excluding VPI, what else should I consider? I would like a company with a long standing history (Redpoint is questionable on this front), excellent build quality, not too finicky, sounds lively, involving, quiet background, controlled and detailed. I don't mind a touch forward, as I think the rest of the system could use a slightly forward source. Simplicity is preferred - I don't want to have to adjust things too often or it won't be used.

I have a fascination with Koetsu cartridges, so I want a TT that would suit an Urushi / Rosewood Signature cartridge. I also think transrotor is interesting, but their web site confuses me (only 3 models? I thought they had many more).

I will try my very best to hear them so what I'm asking is your best ideas and a little brain storming. I will only buy what sounds best to me and works with my system - no question about that.
hatari
uktel
60 posts
 
hatari
what kind of sound are you looking for?
what are your'e musical preferences?
we can all recommend a specific tt
but will it suit your needs?
give as much info as you can
getting it nearly right will be an ear opener
getting it right will be a total revelation
all the best
terry
analogtroll
44 posts
 
I agree with Hevac1, the Basis tables are very reliable and the Vector arm is an excellent performer with many cartridges. Good Luck.
hatari OP
94 posts
 
Here's what I'm looking for: Clarity, detail, accurate timbre, clear and realistic imaging, quickness, depth, neutral, pitch black quietness, beauty and musicality. I don't want any darkness or anything that is laid back. I want something that can work with detailed cartridges (dynavector etc.) and with gorgeous cartridges (koetsu etc.).

I'm not sure how helpful that is, as it's probably what everyone looks for in every audio product they look at. As the hair thins, my musical tastes turn to that which is most musical... acoustic, jazz, classical, blues, vocal anything highly involving rather than loud and jumbled. I'm originally from eastern Africa, so I listen a great deal of "world" music (ali farka toure, hugh masekela, angelique kdigo, South African jazz, baba maal etc.). I do however love Pink Floyd, U2, Sarah Mclaughlin, and various other more modern rock music. I guess I'm a fan of just about anything other than opera (tried, but just can't listen to it).

Thanks & cheers.
xiekitchen
819 posts
 
I've got a Rega P-9 and I think from your description of what you're looking for the Rega P-9 is right there. Easy, set it up, level it and forget about it. Lively, detailed etc. (with the Ringmat). I use cardas wiring in the tonearm, Benz Ref silver and Benz phono pre.
oregon
608 posts
 
Hatari,
Have you considered a Lenco? I have owned 4 and they float my boat in every department you mention. I love Masakela, Zimbabwe, Mali, Streets of Soweto, Buena Vista, Los Lobos, Brazilian, Rock, Bluegrass, jazz, Django. some Classical.
You can have one custom built and laquered, any arm from linear tracking air bearing to Rega, RS 1 to JMWs. Dynavector, Denons and Koetsus. The sky's the limit.
Only issue might be size, the recipe is to build these big with massive plinths (20" X 20") at 70 lbs. But, they look and sound fabulous, not much tweaking once properly set.
Email me and I will send you some photos.
Good luck and have fun.
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