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First used turntable +- $20,000. Any suggestions?

Hi all,

I've been into audio for several years but never ready looked into turntables. Since a few of my friends telling me they like the sound of turntables much much more than CD I might make the switch as well.

Since new is too expensive I will be looking on the second hand market. Could anyone advise me on a superb table that will be max. $20,000 (incl. cartridge, arm etc etc) on the used market? What are the brands to look for and are there particular things I need to watch out for when buying second hand turn tables?

Appreciate your thoughts.
maxx1973
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Follow up to my previous post.

I sell Thorens turntables and a couple of the most expensive models are available with SME tonearms.

However, I am not an SME dealer and do not sell the tonearms separately.

In fact, I do have an "association" albeit indirect with SME, so please accept my apology for the error.

Dealer disclosure.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
A "top of the line" combination of components is no guarantee and/or predictor of any listener's expectations or results for that matter.

You will learn this through more listening experience.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
"A "top of the line" combination of components is no guarantee and/or predictor of any listener's expectations or results for that matter."

Of course. It was my expectations for these particular components that precipitated my surprised. All bets are off though when it's not your own system and you can't take responsibility for set up.
jmo
115 posts
 
Maxx,

Here's a brand new killer setup for far less then $20,000

1. VPI Aries III Turntable $2900.00
2. VPI SDS system $1000.00
3. VPI Periphery Ring Clamp $600.00
4. VPI Center Weight $150.00
5. VPI Mini Super Feet $300.00
6. Dynavector DV-507 MKII tonearm $4750.00
7. Dynavector DV DRT XV-1s Cartridge $4500.00
8. Synergistic Research Magnetic Tricon Phono Cable $800.00
9. Synergistic Research (2) Tesla T2 Power Cords $1100.00

MSRP $16,100.00 That's a winning combo all across the board.
nrostov's avatar
nrostov
199 posts
 
Raul,

I would describe analytical as a very bright, lean sound, lacking in the mid-bass, it can also be very detailed. It can be very impressive at first but fatiguing after some extended listening. Some examples of analytical equipment are anything by Krell or MBL.

I also agree with Detlof's description. To me something musical just sounds more like the real thing. It's less artificial sounding, has more air and bloom to it. It's full and lush sounding. Instruments in systems that are musical sound like they do in real life, yet you are drawn into the music as a whole. You find your toes tapping and you are connected and moved emotionally.

I don't like analytical sounding gear. It sounds wrong to me, but lots of people like it, and it makes them happy, so whatever.
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