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I NEED YOUR HELP with a turntable purchase

Hello Everyone,

I need your help with my first high end turntable purchase.
I will be purchasing in May.

I am looking for a really good turntable for my system. I am not sure which way to go. I checked out a Spiral Groove, and so far I really like that one, mainly for it's no nonsense approach and the ease of use. I have also heard about Basis, SME. SME seems to get really great reviews and their owners really seem to like them. I don't quite understand the significant upcharge to US customers though.

my budget is around $15-30k, hopefully including tonearm and cartridge. i could spend a bit more if necessary. i am NOT necessarily looking for the most expensive turntable, but I want the most bang for my bucks. The phone preamp will be Audio Research Phono Ref2.

the rest of my system consists of:
Preamp: Audio Research Anniversary Ref 40
Amps: Audio Research 610T
Speakers: Wilson Audio Maxx 3
Digital: dCS Scarlatti stack

I would appreciate and help you can give me.

thanks!!
jon_p
jon_p OP
46 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the turntables that I listed in my post?
I am not opposed to purchasing used.
4musica44107
520 posts
 
I have heard the Spiral Groove once. It was excellent. I feel the Ayre/DPS with Mr. Bauer's tonearm (which I have owned for about a year now) is just as good as the SG and so is another option you might want to consider. Better yet, consider the Shindo Garrard. As good as the Ayre/DPS and Spiral Groove are, the Shindo Garrard is in another class entirely.

BTW - That's one nice system you have!
hifimaniac
507 posts
 
SME 30/5.0 SME arm with an an Ortofon A90 and the Audio Research Reference Two phono preamp with be up to the quality of the rest of your system! I love my Continuum Criterion table, but wish I had it running through your Anniversary preamp!
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,699 posts
 
Do you really need folks on this site telling you how to spend 15-30K on a TT :)
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,033 posts
 
Most bang for the buck?
Buy a used Garrard 301 for 295,--$ and buy a plinth for it for 12000$.
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