CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[bhecox1]

Hey I'm back, and not hyperventilating. Must have needed to vent.

I know it would be a stretch on your budget but the VPI Scout JMW-9 combo is a stellar package. - CxTurbo

This is one sexy trio! It might be worth going over budget a bit. This is what I'm looking for. This project might take a few years and it might take a lifetime, but there will always be a weak link. This would be a good start.

I like the quick change. I would want the ability to quickly change carts, one headshell off another on.... so what the hell eventually go a step further.

If you guys could indulge me just forget my current system and think about if you wanted to buy the best tt, cart and phono preamp and stay close to $2000 what would you put together for yourself.

Two things: 1) I am not stopping there and 2) unless you are big into rap there isn't much you listen to that I don't.

Thanks.

[bhecox1]

Hey I'm back, and not hyperventilating. Must have needed to vent.

I know it would be a stretch on your budget but the VPI Scout JMW-9 combo is a stellar package. - CxTurbo

This is one sexy trio! It might be worth going over budget a bit. This is what I'm looking for. This project might take a few years and it might take a lifetime, but there will always be a weak link. This would be a good start.

I like the quick change. I would want the ability to quickly change carts, one headshell off another on.... so what the hell eventually go a step further.

If you guys could indulge me just forget my current system and think about if you wanted to buy the best tt, cart and phono preamp and stay close to $2000 what would you put together for yourself.

Two things: 1) I am not stopping there and 2) unless you are big into rap there isn't much you listen to that I don't.

Thanks.

[stridsvognen]

[bhecox1]

How well do these old tables hold up? I mean anything with moving parts wears out. Also I can't imaging what DJ's do to equipment can help longevity. I plan to use the system for many years and I have read that the Technics mk1200 (?) wears like no other which makes me wonder that if I want lots of hours use in the future would I be better off buying new? My engineer friend seems to be leaning toward vintage saying that really good new stuff is VERY expensive. I know which equipment was highly respected in the 70's (like Thorens) but I worry (as I do with all my equipment) that it will pass on in time.

You are not the only one to mention Rega and I will definitely check them out. Plan is to research, with you guys help, then go to Minneapolis and test the same way I always do. With my ears. Then I may still buy vintage if that looks like the way to get the best for my money.

The big picture is to spend a few thousand each year and build a complete system over how many ever years it takes to get there, maybe I never will.

Thanks for your help, all of you.

[Curt Palme]

I've worked on a bunch of turntables back in the day, and while I've had issues with electronics, dirty speed selector switches, etc, and bad controller boards/parts in the Technics 1500, the older version of the 1200, other than someone dropping a turntable, I can't say I've ever had bearing issues on tonearms (and I've seen some nicotine covered tonearms!)

Belts and rubber idlers wear out, but those are easy fixes. Motors, platters and tonearms generally hold up well, even after 40-50 years.

[Curt Palme]

I've worked on a bunch of turntables back in the day, and while I've had issues with electronics, dirty speed selector switches, etc, and bad controller boards/parts in the Technics 1500, the older version of the 1200, other than someone dropping a turntable, I can't say I've ever had bearing issues on tonearms (and I've seen some nicotine covered tonearms!)

Belts and rubber idlers wear out, but those are easy fixes. Motors, platters and tonearms generally hold up well, even after 40-50 years.

[ecrabb]

[CxTurbo]

^ What he said.

Rubber wears but is easily fixed. If you search you can get top end equipment for little money. I am always leery on buying used cartridges unless I know exactly where it is coming from and it's care.

Your friend is correct new tables are expensive. Hundreds of thousands in the case of a few. Look at Avids Acutus Reference as an example.

25,000 for the table no cart no tonearm. Add an SME V tonearm at 5,500 (I would personally kill for an SME 309) and a Clear Audio Goldfinger for another 10,000. Then a Pulsare Phono Stage at 7,000. I believe that there is one Clear Audio Table that is 160,000 and Koetsu has some of the highest dollar carts I have seen. The sky is the limit and honestly I doubt many people could afford it nowadays.

Regardless, Get the best you can for your budget. New, Used, whatever and enjoy your new found hobby.

James

[bhecox1]

In a sane world I will stay under $20,000 for the entire system. I do have other thing that require me to spend money. My closest audiophile friend is telling me that he likes the value I could get out of the Technics SL-MK1200. I think they quit making them so I would not find new, but that drives the price point down and leaves more money for another new cart. That gives me a new one and a backup.

What do you guys think of this tt?

Thanks Curt I really wasn't sure about vintage. Hard to imagine from a guy with only vintage although most refurbed equipment.

[stridsvognen]

[bhecox1]

I think that I would like the ability to adjust. It just makes more sense. I guess I need to think about how well I can handle it.

[stridsvognen]

http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=22894

I can recommend reading this thread on Vinylengine.. It helps understanding the behavior of the needle in the grove, and the importance of stylus shape, compliance and many other things.

[ChrisWiggles]