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Which turntable should I buy?

Hi all,

In the next few months I'll be looking to spend up to $2500 on a turntable. I'm currently homed in on the VPI Scoutmaster, Nottingham Spacedeck and Thorens TD 850 and am having a hard time deciding between them based on specs and reviews. I have heard none of them yet. Before I make the rounds to the dealers or just pick a good deal, has anyone compared any of these side by side?

Any others I should be considering? This is my first TT since I was a kid. The rest of my system is a Supratek Chenin, Granite Audio 861 monos and Merlin VSM-M. My music tastes are varied but include jazz, electronica, female vocals, indie pop/rock even classical.

Many thanks!
nickatkins
gregadd
574 posts
 
When it comes to turntables there is an embarrasmnet of riches these days.
What bothers you most? Lack of tempo? Feedback? Are you a tinkerer? Are you like Ron Popeil-set it and forget it? Do you have springy floors and lots of foot traffic? Is this budget for turntable only or will you be needing an entire front end as Raul suggested? Do you need upgradeabilty?Suspension or non suspension? Vaccum hold down? Why don't I introduce you to Shaundra? In addition to having a gorgeous set of legs she is our analogue specialist...
Just for fun she'll demo the lovely AVID DIVA at $2500 sans arm. For a picture, See Sterophile Vol 27 No 4 pg 36. Should you be needing an arm and cartrdige, might I suggest the Well Tempered arm with Lyra Helikon.
Disclaimer: I own Vpi Aries. I have not heard this Particular Avid. I auditoned a different model in thier line.
nickatkins OP
82 posts
 
Thanks for your responses, my budget would be for the 'table and arm only. Cartridge comes next...

My preference is for speed and dynamics not bass or lushness -- I get plenty of that from the tubes ;-)
gregadd
574 posts
 
Michell Gyrodec se W/Rega rb300 $2395 or rb 600 for $300 more.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
My preference is for speed and dynamics

You should definitely check this one out & talk to Kevin on the phone:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1106581321

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esoxhntr
196 posts
 
There was an Acoustic Signature Final Tool at The Needle Doctor (www.needledoctor.com - I think...) for $1999. Add a Rega RB 250 or 300 arm and you have a tough combo to beat.

Both the VPI Scout and the Nottingham Spacedeck are viable alternatives - the Scout is getting rave reviews and is very upgradeable, and I heard a Spacedeck/Spacearm combo last week which was very impressive.

Don't know what the Avid DIVA sounds like, but if it has ANY resemblance at all to the VOLVERE SEQUEL it is definitely worth checking out.

Happy hunting - I'd love to hear how this one turns out...
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