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Choosing a new turntable

I've used an LP-12 for more than 30 years, mostly an 80's version with Valhalla and Ittok. I took it in for a tune-up last week and decided that's it, I'm done with this. I want 45 rpm, I don't want to throw more money at the Linn, I want something different.

My budget is $3K or less for table and arm and my inclination is to buy new, though that's not a hard requirement. My current cartridge is a Benz L2 wood body. I like an organic sound. I want an unfussy system (I briefly had a Kuzma StabiS/StogiS a couple of years ago and never got comfortable with it). I want a table I like the looks of. I've read every relevant thread here. I am intrigued by the groundswell of renewed interest in high-torque systems, but am not sure that will make sense given my budget and needs.

It's tough to audition tables, as you know. I'm hoping some of you seasoned vinylphiles can help me understand the kind of sound to expect from the various choices out there. Here's what's currently on my radar:

VPI Classic -- Price is right, buzz is good (though you have to be careful about that). But the table's footprint is a bit bigger than I'd like and I'm told the VPI sound is on the dark side. It's a bit clunky looking in the pictures. Also, I'm quite inexperienced with unipivot arms.

Clearaudio Performance SE (or the new, lesser, Concept). I like the looks of these tables, they seem well made and easy to set up. I've heard Clearaudio is fussy about support and may be hard to get good sound from for that reason. (I have an Apollo rack with a Neuance shelf.)

Well-Tempered Amadeus. Again, lots of good buzz about this new table. But I have heard of some reliability problems and the thing looks fragile and fussy. Also, no cueing lever (though I understand an add-on will be offered), which would drive me crazy I think.

Technics SL-1200 from KAB with some of the KAB mods. This is an entirely different kettle of fish, I realize. Much less money than the others, would give me a taste of direct drive, very easy to use, and I'd probably take advantage of the detachable headshell to play with some other carts. I could put a better arm in it eventually. But I have no idea if the sound I'll get from this table will be even in the ballpark of the others or even of my sub-optimized LP-12.

I suppose Michell and Nottingham should also be in my consideration set. What do you think?

That's it. And before you start flooding me with suggestions for searching out some long-discontinued rarity or DIY project, let me say that I appreciate the suggestions but I'm really inclined to keep this simple and off-the-shelf.

Thanks.
drubin
drubin OP
3,240 posts
 
I will add the SOTA to my list as well as the Gyro SE. I don't find the Gyro unattractive although my tastes tend to run toward more traditional looks. If I could own any table based on its appearance, it would be one of the Spiral Grove tables or the Artemis or the DPS that Ayre distributes,

The dimensions of the SOTA Sapphire are too large for my Neuance shelf, which is 18" x 15". Does the entire 20" x 16.5" need to sit on the shelf or are there feet inset or a smaller sub-plith?
tketcham
267 posts
 
Dimensions of the Gyro SE have two components. Footprint of the motor and support feet would fit on a 18"x15" surface (with an inch or two of clearance behind) but to use a full dust cover requires a surface more like 20"x17" minimum to clear the chassis and tone arm. I just use a lightweight piece of fabric to cover the turntable.

Tom
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
On my 1983 SOTA Sapphire, for which the maximum dimensions (including the dustcover brackets at the rear) are 20.25" x 16.5", there are three feet, two towards the front and one towards the rear. A square platform measuring 13" on each side would be sufficient to accommodate all three feet.

Regards,
-- Al
stickman451
529 posts
 
It''s hard to go wrong with the VPI tables for the money. Are there 'better' tables out there, yes, but then you are spending many more $$$. I'm not crazy about unipivot arms myself; they seem so 'jumpy' and 'bouncy', almost unstable. However, I owned a Scout for several years and found it to be extremely enjoyable and an absolute steal and high-performer, especially for the dollars spent. I've heard the VPI Classic at shows sounding both fantastic and not so hot... Like everything else, system matching is key. Having said that, I agree that the VPI tables can sound a little dark.

I've auditioned the Amadeus in the showroom and I was not overly impressed. I compared it side by side with a VPI Aries 3 (same cartridges) and the Aries 3 was much better in my mind. However, it's the arm's lack of a lift lever that would drive me insane; manually lifting that arm each time and attempting to place it delicately and softly down on a record would make me a nervous wreck!
rhljazz
1,117 posts
 
There is a Wilson Benesch "Full Circle" advertised today for 999.00 plus arm. A Rega or OL arm would work. I went with an Origin Live table. Audio Revelation carries the line. You may want to check them out. OL recieves favorable reviews from the British press and an older review in Stereophile of the table I purchased was very favorable.
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