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Choices, turntable purchase choices?

Recently I have been investigating a future turntable purchase. Not that my current JVC, QL-Y5F is a problem or not working right, but as in much of this hi-fi hobby we look to make gear changes at times. Thus, I began to think, I want to make sure any turntable I'd buy is one that I'd hopefully enjoy for a long while at least 5 years before any future upgrade or change itch may return. If I'm lucky maybe longer. This is why my budget range is above going entry level or the likes. No, I do not have a Champagne budget, but a Regular Joe beer budget range. However I want to get a rig that will give my notably solid vinyl playback quality enough to hopefully keep me happy with said table for a while.

So lots of reading and surfing the web etc has led me to a few choices I'd like to ask for opinions and if any of you own or have owned your thoughts.

1: Clearaudio, Concept $1400.00 to $2000.00 depending on cartridge options. If sans cartridge I'd look at putting my Ortophon 2M Blue on it. How does the Concept MM stack up as an alternative to the Blue? Is the Concept MC worth $500 more than the Concept MM?

2: Rega, RP6. $1500.00 to $2000.00 depending on going no cartridge or adding the Exact2. Rega definitely goes another direction to the Concept. It does come with a dust cover as standard though. Looks to have a nice RB303 arm too.

3: VPI, Scout $1800.00 with no cartridge or dust cover. Another cool tone arm though.

4: Another suggestion in the $1400.00 to $2000.00 range?

None of the choices above precludes making future cartridge changes and/or phono Preamp ones. I have a Cambridge Audio 640p running well right now.
les_creative_edge
soix
2,133 posts
 
I haven't heard it, but the Well Tempered Simplex sure looks interesting. I think The Audio Beat did a review of it not too long ago. Best of luck.
les_creative_edge OP
170 posts
 
The WT Simplex is interesting as are all the WT tables. I just would like to have seen the Simplex have a more standard look in dimensions, length x width ,much like the other WT tables. It may not have much to do with sound but dimensions have an effect on me. I'm not so wild about any odd or such tables including those that have a minimalistic roundy, round look... That's just me, I don't mind detached motors, split plinths even exotic materials etc but I like a more traditional look in over all width x length. The WT Amadeus looks more pretty to me but $3G or so pushes the price.
plosive
16 posts
 
VPI Scout!!! 1300@ Musicdirect B Stock. I purchased one and it came in flawless condition. Spend the left over on a cart.
fjn04
1,339 posts
 
Last time I checked, the Amadeus retailed for $2700. If you don't mind the fact there is no cue lever, I would urge you to consider it. I believe Don Better is an Ortofon and WT dealer. Perhaps he has tried your Ortofon on an Amadeus.
No affiliation w/ Don or WT, but I do enjoy my Amadeus.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
There is a Well Tempered Reference and a Classic currently for sale right here. The older arms have slightly different adjustability.

While a different turntable may be an audible improvement your Technics is still a very good deck. Using your budget on a new high quality cartridge such as a Benz Micro Wood would provide greater sonic gains.
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