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LP12 vs Classic III vs. ?? vs.??

I currently have an LP12 with Ekos,Cirkus,Trampoline and Lingo. Also using a Kleos with a Linto. But have developed an itch to trade into a different table. I have some considerations that I would like to narrow down to just one or two. The tables on my short list are:
VPI Classic II
ClearAudio Ovation
Rega P9
Avid Volvere
and if anyone feels they have one to add to my confusion, please chime in. I have asked this question before, but the players onthe field have changed considerably.
My goal it to find a table that will give me some improvement in sound quality, although my LP12 is no slouch. But as you all know there is only one cure for this "itch" to change. So my question is: who has heard booth the LP12 comparabley equipped and also one or two of these tables. What did you like, what didn't you like, what advances or negatives can I expect.
The problem I find in shopping is that even if a dealer has the table you would like to try, without having the same cartridge and supporting equipment, it's still pretty much a blind test.
In case anyone asks my reasons for trading are that I really just want to try a non-suspended table. I may kick myself later, but you never know till you try.
128x128theo
vortrex
148 posts
 
as Roscoeiii said, Well Tempered Amadeus should be on your list. I've had a Classic 1 and there is nothing the Classic does better than the Amadeus.
chayro
1,801 posts
 
I think I pretty much said it when I wrote that the basis sounds more like a master tape and less like a record. I loved the Linn, but the Linn is a box and the cartridge picked up the boxy resonances. The Basis, being plexiglass, is free of those resonances and you just hear the record. I know that some TT designers think plexiglass is a bad material to use, so I guess it's a matter of execution. I can't describe it as "more" this or that. I just, to me, is more enjoyable to listen to. But - if you have no dealer, I honestly think you should buy something that your local dealer carries and can assist you in properly selecting a cartridge and setting up for you.
pani
1,049 posts
 
Another TT that is really nice and is in the same ballpark is the Thorens TD350. Whenever I heard it I came away very musically satisfied. It sounds cleaner, goes deeper in the bass and most importantly retains the "analogue" sound. I heard it paired with a Rega RB700 tonearm, the combination was very nice. Deserves a nice cartridge!!
macster
64 posts
 
I have the Classic 1 with the 300 Rpm motor and the Shure M97XE regular stylus and the Jico SAS stylus/ To me the Classic 1 is the same as my LP12 with a bit better imaging, base and rhythm. To put the difference into $$ it's about a $500.00 (to me) upgrade. But again the upgrade path for the Classic 1-4 is a lot more affordable than the LP12 upgrades.

M~
jcoehler's avatar
jcoehler
56 posts
 
Second Vortrex.

Just went from Classic 1 to Amadeus. The Classic 1 is really good, but is bettered (to me) in every aspect. Of most importance, it is like you are in the concert hall and the music surrounds you, while the Classic is like you are listening in the studio, more closed in but still not bad.

Also, I was a long time LP12 user having your exact setup but with a Helikon, I loved it, and the Amadeus has a little bit of that magic as well.
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