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Turntable on a $5k budget?

I'd like to give vinyl a try. I thought about starting with an inexpensive table but I think I may as well just buy once and be happy for a long time instead of upgrading later. I don't see why it wouldn't work out for me, I am willing to learn the proper setup just need a little guidance towards a good quality table and tonearm. I prefer a smooth, fatigue free sound over hyper resolution and detail.

I've listened to an SME 20/2 table with IV.Vi tonearm and I thought that was perfect for my taste but it is out of my budget. Should I be looking at suspended tables for that type of sound or is that not the deciding factor of how the table will sound overall?

The $5k is not the ceiling, I can extend my budget another $1500 for a tonearm on top of the table if the table is really that good.

I've read some reviews of the suspended tables such as Oracle, Sota and a few of non suspended such as Nottingham, Michell, Basis. Will any of the mentioned tables get me close to what I am looking for?

I am planning on using the phono stage of my McIntosh C500 preamp, it has both MM/MC phono stage. The rest of the system is McIntosh 501 monoblocks and Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento speakers.

Thanks in advance.
flyski
flyski OP
40 posts
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. Many valid points. I don't have many LPs but my CD collection is over 1200 so far. I don't collect music just for the sake of having a lot of media, I tend to listen to music I like often and I don't get tired of it. The selection of new LPs should keep me busy for some time and of course I will also hunt for some used LPs as well.

I am leaning towards a suspended table as my current listening room has hardwood floors and the sub-floor itself is pretty old. I also use 2 subs in my systems.

I've come across some great deals, a new SME10A, Oracle Delphi V and even a brand new Avid Acutus Reference although over my budget, an amazing deal that is hard to pass on.

If the non-suspended tables are not as big of an issue as I think, the TW Raven One looks very interesting.

I am thinking of going with a nice to great table, a very good arm and a modest cart to start out with. Once I get the hang of setup, I can let it rip with a cart that will do the whole setup justice.

Further input would be appreciated!
jbaussie
52 posts
 
I am confused by your statement that your leaning towards a suspended table it appears your saying because of your floors.

My experience has been the reverse. I have had both suspended and non suspended and the suspended was susceptible to foot falls, etc.

My current non suspended is not. In my experience the suspended required greater isolation and is more difficult to dial in.

I don't think that non suspended tables are a big issue at all. Because of sound and setup issues, I would not go back to a suspended table.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
if you're gonna spend, the oracle is pretty hard to top at any price. a genuine classic turntable. the more conservative thorens 160 and 350 are spectacular as well.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
If I remember my Oracle Delphi,it was good in the mids/highs,but the bass was lean-deep base being non-existant.Has the design/implementation changed that much??
flyski OP
40 posts
 
Everything I've read so far leads me to believe that suspended tables are more forgiving of vibrations in the room. Is that not so? Like I said, my floor is not a concrete slab. Now I am confused.
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