What is the Best turntable for under $5000 ?

[1KW]

Here is the challege, come up with a very nice turntable/cartridge combination for under $5000. Now that I have a pre amp back in the stereo system I have been looking at getting a new turntable. Six Gold Lion tubes have been ordered for the C2300 and I am just waiting for them to arrive. Having given this some thought I have come to the realization that a music server with HI DEF. capable music files will become my main source for many reasons and occupy most of listening time (90%). My LP collection is going to be small in comparison to my digital library. At the same time I already have a few hundred LP's and still enjoy spinning some vinyl sometimes. I have therefore come up with a budget with cartridge that I would like stay within but at the same time have improved performance to my old technic SL1200 . So lets help those of us who are looking to try and have analog playback that rivals or beats redbook.

[jdandy]

David.......I am assuming you meant turntable, arm and phono cartridge under $5K. This presents many options, and your taste in turntable designs will come into play, as well.

Here is a very nice turntable and arm combination by Creek. The Creek Wyndsor. It come with the custom made Creek OEM300 arm, made especially for Creek by Rega Research. The turntable is also supplied with a separate LP1 speed controller that allows you to switch to either 33.3 or 45 rpm and adjust the pitch. Other goodies that come with the turntable are a 12" strobe disc for setting perfect rotation, and a heavy record clamp. There is a lot to like about this turntable for a retail price of $3995.00

Here's the link to the Assembly Instructions: http://www.creekaudio.com/products/instructions/wyndsor.pdf


http://www.needledoctor.com/core/media/media.nl?id=15329&c=ACCT106601&h=95ae24d0404f6f269515

[BearCubinNY]

That's a good recommendation Dan. I heard this table when I was auditioning my JA Michell Gyro SE. They are priced the same TT/arm as my Gyro/OL Encounter. I went with the Gyro because my dealer made it happen.

Reg

[jdandy]

David.......The Project RM9.2 turntable looks good. It is supplied with a carbon fiber tone arm and Sumiko Celebration II moving coil phono cartridge at a retail of $3999.00


http://www.needledoctor.com/core/media/media.nl?id=19098&c=ACCT106601&h=378f766e219d31e6456f . . . . . . http://www.needledoctor.com/core/media/media.nl?id=19100&c=ACCT106601&h=a7077f606f052f35d4e3

[Tonepub]

I'd grab a Clearaudio Concept and go with a Shelter 501II or Clearaudio Maestro Wood.

I was using that combination with my C500 for quite a while and it's amazingly good and very no fuss. Both carts work very well with your C2300. The Clearaudio cart has a touch more bass weight, and the Shelter has a touch more finesse along with a little more midrange magic.

The whole thing will only cost you about $2500. If you don't have a lot of vinyl and don't listen often, this is a great place to hang your hat.

[Tonepub]

That Sumiko setup is very nice too. It's another cartridge that works well with your 2300...

[1KW]

This is great, please keep the recommendations coming. What do you think of Avid ?

[f1 fan]

David...Rega P9 with matching Exact cartridge. I think you would like it because it's a plug 'n play tt that will provide great sound and is maintenance free.

Dave

[Jerome W]

Dan won't second that one but I love the Linn Majik combo.
Don't know the price in USA but it retails for 3000 euros in Europe, arm and cart included. The LP12 has a unique bloom IMHO, and a wonderful pace and rythm. The bass is not as tight as Clearaudio's though, for the first models of LP12. The LP12 SE fully loaded with Akiva MC cart is the best source I ever heard, digital or analog, but it comes around 15000 euros taxes included and its bass is full, tight and extremely rich.
If the look does not hurt you, I personnaly like its look actually, you can find second hand MT10 sometimes at around your budget of 5k.
My set up ( see signature below ) is around 5000 euros in France, taxes included, but I suppose that you could get the same at 5000 US dollars without taxes. You will need Serge to set it up if you're not an expert or a very good dealer to do it cause it's really long and touchy. I believe that I get 90 % of a LP12 SE, at the third of the price.

Cheers,

[joe1515]

I highly recommend the VPI Classic paired with Benz Micro Glider S cartridge. That is what I am using. For under 5k you will have a killer analog set up.

Joe

[jdandy]

David.......The Avid Diva II with the Rega RB-301 tonearm is a good value at reatil $2300.00 without a phono cartridge. That would leave you a nice budge for any number of excellent moving coil cartridges, like maybe the new Ortofon Cadenza Black at $2400.00 retail. At a grand total of $4700.00, this would be a nice vinyl rig.


http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq255/jdandy_photos/aviddivaII.jpg

[1KW]

I like this one too
http://www.tonepublications.com/media/avid-volvere.jpg

[PHC1]

David, if you are going to stick this table into your built in shelves, go with something that is compact and all integrated, ie.. no outboard motors for simplicity. I'd suggest this table. A bit higher than your budget in terms of retail but I am sure you can pick one up with a discount to squeeze a cartridge into your budget. :yes:

Pro-ject Extension.

http://www.needledoctor.com/core/media/media.nl?id=18187&c=ACCT106601&h=12befc9961331cb19566

[jdandy]

David.......Yes, I like the Avid Volvere, too, but you are pushing your budget out to $5500 without a tonearm or phono cartridge. If you're going to tease yourself like this, then screw the budget, and go for the gusto. :thumbsup:


http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq255/jdandy_photos/avidvolvere.jpg

[jdandy]

Serge.......I agree with your suggestion. I have liked the Pro-Ject Xtension turntable since I first saw it. $5K with tonearm, but without a cartridge.


http://www.needledoctor.com/core/media/media.nl?id=19102&c=ACCT106601&h=4a9cedcedda3444c536b

[Puma Cat]

I would go with Tonepub's recommendations for the Concept and one of those two cartridges. His advice is perfect for your situation, if you only have a few hundred LPs and do occasional LP listening compared to listening to your digital content. Use the extra $2500 you save for a nice, used, EAR834P phono stage and put the remainder into LPs! :D The Concept is punches WAY above it's weight class for the money, nothing else even comes close in it's price class.

I have a Clearaudio Concept TT and can confirm Tonepub's recommendations; his comments are bang on the money. It's not quite my Gyro SE MkII and SME V, but it's 85% of the way there.

[Removed]

If sound is your no.1 priority and less so with cosmetics then I would consider a slightly less cost TT/Cart combo and think about adding a phono stage......The C-2300 phono stage will be the limiting factor.

Putting a vinyl rig together is somewhat like putting an entire system together, you have the table, arm, cartridge, phono cable, phono stage, power cord....lot's of variables to consider for sure.......Spending $3000-$3500 on a table/cart and $2000 on a phono stage will have much more impact on the end result than $5000-$5500 table/cart package IMO. There was already a great recommendation earlier for way under your budget leaving you room for a great phono stage.

The phono stage plays more of a roll than you may think.......YMMV as this is audio!

[MC352]

I like this JA Michell Gyro SE $2895 list.

http://www.needledoctor.com/core/media/media.nl?id=18108&c=ACCT106601&h=a8f5b5b9729e7ed6e0d5&resizeid=-2&resizeh=74&resizew=74

[Tonepub]

If sound is your no.1 priority and less so with cosmetics then I would consider a slightly less cost TT/Cart combo and think about adding a phono stage......The C-2300 phono stage will be the limiting factor.

Putting a vinyl rig together is somewhat like putting an entire system together, you have the table, arm, cartridge, phono cable, phono stage, power cord....lot's of variables to consider for sure.......Spending $3000-$3500 on a table/cart and $2000 on a phono stage will have much more impact on the end result than $5000-$5500 table/cart package IMO. There was already a great recommendation earlier for way under your budget leaving you room for a great phono stage.

The phono stage plays more of a roll than you may think.......YMMV as this is audio!


Which is why I suggested a table/cart in the $2500 range, especially if you don't have a ton of vinyl...

The vinyl thing is a ton of fun, but as you've seen from many of us here can easily lead to madness. (not that it's a bad thing) A big part of getting the sound you want out of analog is the quality of the pressings you have. If you don't want to spend a ton of money on the best remasters and seeking out pristine originals of your favorite music, I'd seriously think twice about spending more than a couple thousand bucks on an analog front end.

But the good news is that if you really do start chasing good records, you can always get right back out of a table/arm/cart like that and not lose much money.

[j3brow]

David my recommendations:

1. Cheaper - I second Jeff's rec Clearaudio Concept table and Clearaudio Maestro MM cart. This cart sounds great with my C2300. I have read positive reviews regarding the Concept table - sounds much better than it should for the $ apparently

2. More expensive. I second the rec VPI Classic. Lyra Delos MC cart. Lyra + VPI = music. Under 5k.
If you stretch your budget a tad, the Lyra Kleos MC cart + VPI would be perfect IMO

Given you stated only 10% analog listening, I think you cannot do better than option #1.

Good luck.

[Puma Cat]

I like this JA Michell GyroDec SE $2895 list.

http://www.needledoctor.com/core/media/media.nl?id=18108&c=ACCT106601&h=a8f5b5b9729e7ed6e0d5&resizeid=-2&resizeh=74&resizew=74

That's a Gryo SE MkII, not a GyroDec. ;) GyroDecs have a large acrylic plinth around them.

[Puma Cat]

David my recommendations:

1. Cheaper - I second Jeff's rec Clearaudio Concept table and Clearaudio Maestro MM cart. This cart sounds great with my C2300. I have read positive reviews regarding the Concept table - sounds much better than it should for the $ apparently


Not apparently, it really does sound better than it should for the money! :thumbsup:

[jdandy]

I like this JA Michell GyroDec SE $2895 list.

Chuck.......That is a fine looking turntable. I have admired this turntable a number of times, and the price you quoted includes the Rega RB300 tonarm. Nice deal.


http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/pic/tur/michell_gyrose.jpg

[MC352]

That's a Gryo SE MkII, not a GyroDec. ;) GyroDecs have a large acrylic plinth around them.

Your right.
That was a typo on my part.
sorry about that.

[MC352]

[QUOTE=jdandy;133131]Chuck.......That is a fine looking turntable. I have admired this turntable a number of times, and the price you quoted includes the Rega RB300 tonarm. Nice deal.

I got to see one in person and hear it about 7 months ago. I can't remember right now though what cartridge the owner had installed at the time.

It sounded very nice.

I also like that Creek TT you posted earlier.

[Puma Cat]

Chuck.......That is a fine looking turntable. I have admired this turntable a number of times, and the price you quoted includes the Rega RB300 tonarm. Nice deal.


Here's mine complete with SME V. The Michell Gyro was designed using the SME V and was exhibited by John Michell at shows with this arm.

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/GyroSE-5.jpg

It sounds even better than it looks. I have no desire or need to upgrade from this table.

[1KW]

Nice turntable Puma Cat .

[MC352]

David, I know this thread is about getting you a TT, but I want one of those JA Michell's real bad. :D:D

Looks great Puma Cat!

[j3brow]

here's mine complete with sme v. The michell gyro was designed using the sme v and was exhibited by john michell at shows with this arm.

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/gyrose-5.jpg

it sounds even better than it looks. I have no desire or need to upgrade from this table.



beautiful!

[jdandy]

Stephen.......Wow! After seeing your Mitchell Gyro SE turntable with the incredible SME V tonearm, I'm just like Chuck. I want one, too. Gorgeous. How do you like the Shelter 501 MkII moving coil cartridge. Looking at its specs, it has a decent 0.5 mV output, and tracks at under 2 grams. The stated frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz +/-2dB is remarkable for a cartridge in this price range.



http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/GyroSE-5.jpg

[howiebrou]

David.......The Avid Diva II with the Rega RB-301 tonearm is a good value at reatil $2300.00 without a phono cartridge. That would leave you a nice budge for any number of excellent moving coil cartridges, like maybe the new Ortofon Cadenza Black at $2400.00 retail. At a grand total of $4700.00, this would be a nice vinyl rig.


http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq255/jdandy_photos/aviddivaII.jpg

David,

The Avid Diva II is an excellent table but the one you should get and which was reviewed recently by Michael Fremer is the Diva II SP which has the upgraded motor. I had my Acutus upgraded to SP and it is significantly better than the non-SP version. Well worth the extra and still within budget.

Personally I would spend as much as possible on the TT, use your current phono stage and then add a phono stage later on if funds allow. If you buy a mediocre table now, get a mediocre phono stage as well and then love vinyl you have to upgrade everything again which will hit your wallet hard.

Yes the mediocre table and new phono stage might be better overall in sound quality than a great table and poor phono stage but that is easily changed with one purchase and not two.

I had a Mcintosh C2200 and bought an Avid Acutus btw.:yes:

howie

[dbz]

David.......I am assuming you meant turntable, arm and phono cartridge under $5K. This presents many options, and your taste in turntable designs will come into play, as well.

Here is a very nice turntable and arm combination by Creek. The Creek Wyndsor. It come with the custom made Creek OEM300 arm, made especially for Creek by Rega Research. The turntable is also supplied with a separate LP1 speed controller that allows you to switch to either 33.3 or 45 rpm and adjust the pitch. Other goodies that come with the turntable are a 12" strobe disc for setting perfect rotation, and a heavy record clamp. There is a lot to like about this turntable for a retail price of $3995.00

Here's the link to the Assembly Instructions: http://www.creekaudio.com/products/instructions/wyndsor.pdf


http://www.needledoctor.com/core/media/media.nl?id=15329&c=ACCT106601&h=95ae24d0404f6f269515

This has been on sale in the UK for £899 (about $1300) for the simple reason..no-one bought it. It is now discontinued.

[Tonepub]

If you buy a Mitchel, find a used one. They have very little resale here in the US. Both the Gyro and the Orbe are decent tables, but they've never caught on here.

Another good combination for slightly over $5k if you are going used would be an SME 10. Fantastic table and also highly discounted on the used market. It's not uncommon to see them for about $4500. Add a Shelter 501, or your other favorite $1000 cart and it's a pretty formidable analog front end that if you decide to add the SME V or iV.Vi later, knocks on the door of the SME 20 for a lot less money. That's the one table I always regret selling.

[1KW]

The creekaudio table is discontinued according to needledoctor. I did speak to them today about ordering a gyrodec in black with a SME309 .
http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/pic/tur/michell_orbese.jpg

[MC352]

The creekaudio table is discontinued according to needledoctor. I did speak to them today about ordering a gyrodec in black with a SME309 .
http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/pic/tur/michell_orbese.jpg

David, That TT is sweet, to say the least!!

[jdandy]

David.......This turntable and tonearm combination will keep you satisfied for a long time. It would be a shame to tuck such an attractive turntable back into a shelf where no one can see anything but the front. Did you place an order?

[1KW]

Chuck I knew you would like that picture, which is why I posted it. I am leaning toward the clearaudio innovation compact or a Avid Volvere; both list for than my budget but in reality, not by much . I wanted to see what people came up with for recommendations. My next decision is going to be a tone arm and cartridge. It is alot easier to change a cartridge later than the whole turntable and cartridge.

Dan I have not placed any orders yet.

[Puma Cat]

The creekaudio table is discontinued according to needledoctor. I did speak to them today about ordering a gyrodec in black with a SME309 .
http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/pic/tur/michell_orbese.jpg

Nice! I say go for it.

BTW, the reason you don't see many Gyro SEs on the used market is that most owners never feel the need to sell them. It would make a great way for you to get into a TT, and would likely meet your needs for a long, long time.

[Puma Cat]

Stephen.......Wow! After seeing your Mitchell Gyro SE turntable with the incredible SME V tonearm, I'm just like Chuck. I want one, too. Gorgeous. How do you like the Shelter 501 MkII moving coil cartridge. Looking at its specs, it has a decent 0.5 mV output, and tracks at under 2 grams. The stated frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz +/-2dB is remarkable for a cartridge in this price range.


Dan,

I like the TT very much, especially for what I spent on it. I bought the TT new for $2500, the SME V essentially new (<200 hrs on it) from a buddy for $1500, and the Shelter used for $500 w/ < 200 hrs on it. So, a total of four grand for the whole kebab. My buddy's arm was literaly new in a box. Bought it for his Linn, the arm didn't work on that TT, so he bought a Linn arm and put the SME V in his closet for 20 years. I think he was happy to get some money for it and for it to go to a good home.

I like the Shelter a lot; for a grand it's about as good as you can do for an MC up to say $2500-$3000 if you get it set up right. I was originally running it with too much damping, but I removed some damping and it clicked into place. I was recently listening to a Music Matters 45 rpm LP of Lee Morgan's Tom Cat and had the same recording as an Audio Wave XRCD in the CD player at exactly the same time, so A/Bing between the two with the remote, the mids and highs were very close to identical, so I knew I had the cartridge pretty much dialed in about perfect (this a nice way to do this as there are no cartridge adjustment issues with a very high-quality CD). The Audio Wave XRCD is superb, but the LP was still a bit better...more air, body and weight to the musical presentation. LPs are tough to beat with regards to sound quality.

The Shelter has got a really sweet mid range and a nice top end, but is a little light on bass compared to the Grado Sonata shown in my picture. Some day I would like to a nice Koetsu Vermilion on the Gyro. I like the Shelter a lot, but it's not in the league with the really top-flight carts, e.g. a Dynavector XV-1S, which, BTW, really is superb.

[Puma Cat]

Chuck I knew you would like that picture, which is why I posted it. I am leaning toward the clearaudio innovation compact or a Avid Volvere; both list for than my budget but in reality, not by much . I wanted to see what people came up with for recommendations. My next decision is going to be a tone arm and cartridge. It is alot easier to change a cartridge later than the whole turntable and cartridge.

Dan I have not placed any orders yet.

I recommend an SME arm....a 309 would be a great starting point.

[Puma Cat]

If you buy a Mitchel, find a used one. They have very little resale here in the US. Both the Gyro and the Orbe are decent tables, but they've never caught on here.

Another good combination for slightly over $5k if you are going used would be an SME 10. Fantastic table and also highly discounted on the used market. It's not uncommon to see them for about $4500. Add a Shelter 501, or your other favorite $1000 cart and it's a pretty formidable analog front end that if you decide to add the SME V or iV.Vi later, knocks on the door of the SME 20 for a lot less money. That's the one table I always regret selling.

1KW,

This is a really good suggestion from Jeff.

If I were you, I'd get this, and call it a day:

SME Model 10 A For Sale | AudiogoN (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1299892770&/SME-Model-10-A-MINT)

Then all you'd have to do is decide on a cartridge.

[1KW]

1KW,

This is a really good suggestion from Jeff.

If I were you, I'd get this, and call it a day:

SME Model 10 A For Sale | AudiogoN (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1299892770&/SME-Model-10-A-MINT)

Then all you'd have to do is decide on a cartridge.

I think this is a fake ad. When I called last week I was told he already had a buyer and he used the call as an opportunity to try and sell me something else. I think the seller is using the old bait and switch routine to generate leads. Notice he has not put up a pending or sold mark on the ad.

[jdandy]

I think this is a fake ad. When I called last week I was told he already had a buyer and he used the call as an opportunity to try and sell me something else. I think the seller is using the old bait and switch routine to generate leads. Notice he has not put up a pending or sold mark on the ad.


David.......So the dealer turned out to be Sears? :laughin:

[Tonepub]

Chuck I knew you would like that picture, which is why I posted it. I am leaning toward the clearaudio innovation compact or a Avid Volvere; both list for than my budget but in reality, not by much . I wanted to see what people came up with for recommendations. My next decision is going to be a tone arm and cartridge. It is alot easier to change a cartridge later than the whole turntable and cartridge.

Dan I have not placed any orders yet.

The Volvere and the SME 309 make a very nice combination together. Had that table for a while and now one of my staffers has it. Having used the 309, the iV.Vi and the V the 309 is definitely the value king of the three.

That being said, if you'd like a great deal on an iV.Vi, PM me, I'll be having one for sale soon, for a few bucks less than a brand new 309....

(Too many tables and tonearms here!) I managed to get a great deal on an SME V with my new AVID Acutus Ref SP, so the iV.Vi needs a home.

[howiebrou]

Nice video of the Volvere

YouTube - Avid Volvere Sequel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm1er5QIPqo)

[jdandy]

Here is an interesting turntable.
YouTube - High end audio gear (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWe3OyPbO9c)

[jdandy]

David.......Here is the Mitchell Gyrodec SE in action.

YouTube - Michell Gyrodec SE plays Sorry by Madonna (Version 2) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj80jep42oI)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DmXTj3kLyo

[cmalak]

Dan...that's a Teres turntable. Not sure what the tonearm is.

[jdandy]

Cyril.......Thanks. Wild looking platter. From the quality of the audio on the video, it sounded like the system was sweet.

[Removed]

That looks like a Rega RB 1000 arm on the Teres....looks like its been modded

[Chad.Wagner]

I love my Michell Gyro SE!

[Puma Cat]

David.......Here is the Mitchell Gyrodec SE in action.

YouTube - Michell Gyrodec SE plays Sorry by Madonna (Version 2) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj80jep42oI)

YouTube - Gyro Dec "SE" Michell Engineering. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DmXTj3kLyo)

By way of some info, neither of those is a Gyrodec, they are Gyro SEs. Gyrodecs have a large acrylic plinth around them.

This is a Gryodec:

http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/pic/tur/michell_gyrodec.jpg

[jdandy]

Stephen.......Thank you ofr the information. I like the Gyrodec. Great way to keep it clean.

[Puma Cat]

Stephen.......Thank you ofr the information. I like the Gyrodec. Great way to keep it clean.

True enough, though, ironically, Dan, my friend that has a GyroDec wants to convert it to a Gyro SE! ;)

[jdandy]

True enough, though, ironically, Dan, my friend that has a GyroDec wants to convert it to a Gyro SE! ;)

Stephen.......I have to wonder what he thinks he would be gaining by making this conversion.

[Puma Cat]

Well, two things. He and I both think the acrylic "spider" design of the Gyro SE is less stuff resonate than the larger acrylic plinth on the GyroDec. The other reason is that he wants to move the motor to the front of the TT, and use the left Mickey Mouse "ear" of the metal frame where the motor normally resides to mount a second arm for use with a mono cartridge. It is actually already drilled for mounting another arm board, and he has a spare Rega RB300 arm. He just needs to get a Rega/Michell armboard from Artech. He can't move the motor to the front with the acrylic plinth in place, though, which is why he wants to convert to the acrylic spider design of the Gyro SE.

BTW, I am listening to my Michell right now (an original Mercury Living Presence recording of Spanish guitar virtuoso Celedonio Romero) and it sounds great. I've been listening to my Oppo and music server the last few weeks, but it sure is great to hear vinyl again. It still sounds notably superior to my digital setups.

[BearCubinNY]

Well, two things. He and I both think the acrylic "spider" design of the Gyro SE is less stuff resonate than the larger acrylic plinth on the GyroDec. The other reason is that he wants to move the motor to the front of the TT, and use the left Mickey Mouse "ear" of the metal frame where the motor normally resides to mount a second arm for use with a mono cartridge. It is actually already drilled for mounting another arm board, and he has a spare Rega RB300 arm. He just needs to get a Rega/Michell armboard from Artech. He can't move the motor to the front with the acrylic plinth in place, though, which is why he wants to convert to the acrylic spider design of the Gyro SE.

BTW, I am listening to my Michell right now (an original Mercury Living Presence recording of Spanish guitar virtuoso Celedonio Romero) and it sounds great. I've been listening to my Oppo and music server the last few weeks, but it sure is great to hear vinyl again. It still sounds notably superior to my digital setups.

Will the frame support 2 arms without further modification? You have me thinking I'd pop three holes in the frame and mount another arm as well. I'm getting an SME IV.Vi that needs a home.

Reg

[Puma Cat]

Will the frame support 2 arms without further modification? You have me thinking I'd pop three holes in the frame and mount another arm as well. I'm getting an SME IV.Vi that needs a home.

Reg

Hmmm....You must be buying Jeff's IV.Vi that he's selling; I'm sure you be happy with it, I've bought some gear from Jeff in the past, and he takes good care of his gear. If you've never had an SME arm before, you are in for a real treat. They're the best, IMHO.

I don't see why not as you can adjust the spring "preload" in the legs near the arm boards to account for any additional mass imposed by the arm. My buddy's GyroDec always has the holes drilled in the frame there.

Bear in mind you have swap arm cable to your phono stage, or have two phono stages, one for each arm.

[BearCubinNY]

I don't see why not as you can adjust the spring "preload" in the legs near the arm boards to account for any additional mass imposed by the arm. My buddy's GyroDec always has the holes drilled in the frame there.

Bear in mind you have swap arm cable to your phono stage, or have two phono stages, one for each arm.

Yes, Thanks! I ordered the additional hardware just now from NeedleDoctor. They were aware of the tweek as well. Cool Beans! :thumbsup:

Reg

[1KW]

I saw this picture on audiogon from audiosolutions.com and thought what a beautiful set up . The innovation compact wood looks great.
http://pic5.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1295047515.jpg

[Masterlu]

I saw this picture on audiogon and thought what a beautiful set up . The innovation compact wood looks great.
http://pic5.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1295047515.jpg

David, please get permission for use of this owners photo; or post his name for appropriate credit. Thanks

[jdandy]

David.......You seem to be leaning toward the Clearaudio Innovation Wood Compact. Having set up Ivan's Clearaudio Innovation Wood, I can testify that the Clearaudio turntables at this level are amazing pieces of audio engineering. With the right tonearm, I can't imagine you not being completely satisfied.

As for me, with all the turntables discussed in this very interesting thread, the Mitchell Gyro SE is the one that has captured my attention. I am honestly thinking about purchasing one with a SME 309 arm, and Shelter 501 II moving coil cartridge. At $5785 retail, this vinyl playback rig's cost to performance ratio is excellent, in my opinion.

[Tonepub]

Dan, if you really have your heart set on a mitchel, try and find a used one. Unfortunately, they have never held their value in the US and you can probably get a screaming deal on one if you aren't in a hurry. Same with the SME 309. Most guys get out of the 309 to move on to an iV.Vi or V and you can usually find a clean one for $1000. Heck, I've got a 309 that needs a mounting plate that I'd sell for $500. In perfect shape. You can get the mounting plate from SME for about $500 and you've got a killer arm for very reasonable money....

But if you are looking at about 6k, I'd seriously consider a nice, used SME10. The SME10 arm is a slightly better version of the 309 and will outperform even the Michel Orbe. A used one can usually be found for about $4700-5500. Grab a new Shelter 501 and you are rocking...

I still regret selling my SME 10. Great table.

[jdandy]

Jeff.......Thank you for the input. Always open to suggestions, particulaly from one who has experience that far exceeds mine. I will consider the SME 309 arm. Thanks.

[Puma Cat]

Granted, SME 10s are superb tables, and sell for roughly 5 grand used, but they don't come on the market very often at all. Michells don't come on the market very often either, and if they do they're generally older ones that do not have the DC motor and decoupled armboard design. The other components being equal, that is, an SME 309, IV.VI or V arm and a Shelter 501 MkII cart, you're still looking at spending approx an extra $2500 to get an SME 10 than a brand-new Michell Gyro SE (which can be upgraded to an Orbe later if you wish). Granted the SME 10 will be a better table, but only you can decide if what wiil be a $2500 increase in price will be a value proposition for you compared to the Michell. On another note, If you wanted to spend that extra $2500, instead of getting the SME 10, you could combine it with the grand you would spend for the Shelter, and you can get a really nice Koetsu Urushi for $3500 for your Michell TT. That would be an interesting thought experiment: Would an SME 10 with a 309 arm and a Shelter 501 sound better than a Michell Gryo with a 309 arm and a Koetsu Urushi? Might be a tough call.

Oh, and also factor in $400-$500 for a decent phono cable for any of these SMEs as the stock phono cables they come with are junk.

[Tonepub]

Granted, SME 10s are superb tables, and sell for roughly 5 grand used, but they don't come on the market very often at all. Michells don't come on the market very often either, and if they do they're generally older ones that do not have the DC motor and decoupled armboard design. The other components being equal, that is, an SME 309, IV.VI or V arm and a Shelter 501 MkII cart, you're still looking at spending approx an extra $2500 to get an SME 10 than a brand-new Michell Gyro SE (which can be upgraded to an Orbe later if you wish). Granted the SME 10 will be a better table, but only you can decide if what wiil be a $2500 increase in price will be a value proposition for you compared to the Michell. On another note, If you wanted to spend that extra $2500, instead of getting the SME 10, you could combine it with the grand you would spend for the Shelter, and you can get a really nice Koetsu Urushi for $3500 for your Michell TT. That would be an interesting thought experiment: Would an SME 10 with a 309 arm and a Shelter 501 sound better than a Michell Gryo with a 309 arm and a Koetsu Urushi? Might be a tough call.

Oh, and also factor in $400-$500 for a decent phono cable for any of these SMEs as the stock phono cables they come with are junk.

The SME 10 is FAR superior to anything Mitchell makes, even the Orbe. Again, if you are spending more than a 1000 or two on a turntable, think of it as a system and how far you ultimately want to take it. Putting a 3-5000 cartridge on a $2500 turntable is a big waste of resolution. Again, your analog front end is a system - the more effort you can put into maxing out the performance equally between table, arm, cartridge and phono preamplifier will yield high rewards. It's always tempting to put a high zoot cartridge on a relatively inexpensive turntable, but having had plenty of opportunity to use high performance cartridges on moderate turntables, and vice versa, you usually end up throwing resolution away at some point.

I've been seeing 2-3 SME10's a month on Audiogon regularly for as long as I can remember, and if memory serves me correctly, there's one right now for $4950.

Even the world's finest tables are not a terribly good investment, so I suggest spending your money wisely, and consider where your intermediate steps will be. The Mitchell will always be harder to get out of than SME. One of my staffers got rid of his Orbe about a year ago and pretty much gave it away for a fraction of the discounted price he bought it as a demo unit a few years prior.

Having lived with both tables, I'd never buy Mitchell again if I was even remotely thinking about getting rid of it down the road. Rega P9, SME 10 or 20 and any of the VPI tables have a strong enough following that making an upgrade will be easy, and if you've bought used, probably pretty painless on the checkbook.

I'm having the same luck with the Spiral Groove. $16k new and I'll be lucky to get $6k for it when time to sell, because it doesn't have the same cachet on the used market. Sure it's a great turntable, but unless I keep it forever, a losing proposition.

[Puma Cat]

Hi Jeff,

I certainly see your perspectives on this point and would agree that SME carries one of the highest resale value of audio products on the market. This is undoubtedly due to their well-earned reputation for quality and engineering prowess.

in this regard, they remind me of Shunyata products as well.

[1KW]

I put a full asking price bid on the SME-10 advertised on audiogon 2 days ago and never heard back which proves this is a bate and switch ad because he has not changed the status to sold. I also called the seller and he tried to sell me something else changing the subject when I asked about his ad.

[Tonepub]

Sorry to hear that... But stay tuned, that usually is about what they go for.

[Puma Cat]

Sorry to hear that... But stay tuned, that usually is about what they go for.

Yeah, 1KW is right, something is out of joint with that ad; that table should have sold by now if it were legitimately available. As you say Jeff, with a quality deck that like that, my expectation is that, at that price, it would have been snapped up almost immediately.

[1KW]

I just received this:
Item: SME Model 10 A
Seller: Stantonsoundvision

Amount: $4750.00
Submitted: 04:44pm 01-26-11
Expired: 04:44pm 01-28-11

[Puma Cat]

Is this the same ad that was up from New York Sound and Vision on Audiogon?

[jdandy]

David.......The SME 10 is still listed. I think you might want to report the seller to Audiogon, providing them with your information. There is definately a fly in the ointment.

[Puma Cat]

David.......The SME 10 is still listed. I think you might want to report the seller to Audiogon, providing them with your information. There is definately a fly in the ointment.

Yes, something's "rotten in the state of Denmark" as they say about that ad...

[miner]

My dealer - Sound World in Houston - has a used (traded in) Rega P9 (black) that he would sell for a song. Amazing set it and forget it table. Add a Lyra Delos or Kleos to it - magic.

[Tonepub]

That's a great deal! I certainly love my P9. I made the mistake of selling mine to a staffer a few years ago and glad I have another one. I've been using a Lyra Argo-i for now, but have also used the Skala with good luck. The Dynavector XV-1s works awfully well on the P9 too!

[jdandy]

Keith.......You are right, that is a good price for the SME 20/2 with SME Series IV.Vi arm included. Looks super clean.

[howiebrou]

BTW, there is a good review of the Michel in this month's Hi Fi choice.

[Tonepub]

If you look at the feedback for that business you will see feedback for Stanton Sound and Vision.

I've seen a SME10 for sale a couple of times through that company. I'll be careful not to say it's the same table, or alleged that something is rotten in Denmark. But, what's that smell.:D

David,

Buy the 20/2 listed, that's a good price. In fact you'll probably see more 20/2 at good prices because the 20/3 is on it's way to dealers.

That's an excellent point and considering that SME never makes any radical changes, I'd bet the /2 is 95% of the /3, making a used /2 a killer value.

[metaphacts]

That's an excellent point and considering that SME never makes any radical changes, I'd bet the /2 is 95% of the /3, making a used /2 a killer value.

:nono: Somebody didn't make it up to the 35th floor at CES. Most of those who saw the 20/3 from across the room mistook it for a 30/2. Many substantial changes.

I do agree with you that a used 20/2 will be a killer value. But I thought it was a darned good value used before the 20/3 was announced. :thumbsup:

[Tonepub]

Somebody did make it up there. I really hate being talked to in the third person.

If you've heard a 20 and a 30 side by side, there really isn't that much difference. The 30 has a bit more weight, but way more similar than different.

Almost every SME enthusiast I know that owns or has owned both agrees. The 30 is a statement piece and the 20 is bang for the buck. I've heard both, extensively and could live with either.

What I meant by substantial changes, was a substantial change in the basic engineering of the table. So, no SME isn't really doing anything that different in the 20/3 that they were doing with the 20/2. Just going a little further upmarket really. Refinement, not revolution is the name of the game at SME....

Now, if they came out with a direct drive table, an SME VI arm or a 20 or 30 that supported two tonearms, I'd be intrigued.

[Puma Cat]

I really hate being talked to in the third person.


Let alone having someone wave their finger at you....

[metaphacts]

Somebody did make it up there. I really hate being talked to in the third person.

If you've heard a 20 and a 30 side by side, there really isn't that much difference. The 30 has a bit more weight, but way more similar than different.

Almost every SME enthusiast I know that owns or has owned both agrees. The 30 is a statement piece and the 20 is bang for the buck. I've heard both, extensively and could live with either.

What I meant by substantial changes, was a substantial change in the basic engineering of the table. So, no SME isn't really doing anything that different in the 20/3 that they were doing with the 20/2. Just going a little further upmarket really. Refinement, not revolution is the name of the game at SME....

Now, if they came out with a direct drive table, an SME VI arm or a 20 or 30 that supported two tonearms, I'd be intrigued.

Fair enough Jeff. "Bill" says I should have put a smiley to indicate I was poking fun because I didn't see you up there, only at Lotus and downstairs by Bouchon. I did not mean to sound like I was talking down. Mea culpa and my apologies.

SME wouldn't make changes to the basic engineering of the table unless they feel there is valid reason to do so. They got that right the first time and have been refining ever since as you suggest.

As for the a/b we do it on a regular basis in house and we'll have to agree to disagree. The differences are more than subtle. The cool thing, as you point out, is the consistency of the SME sound. That consistency is what makes the 20/2 or 20/12 the great values with respect to their 30/2 and 30/12 siblings. As you said, living with any of them would be a joy.

Now the 20/3 is "substantially" different from the 20/2: More massive base plate, more massive top plate, more massive and differently shaped (low and wide vs tall and narrow)motor housing, and a platter almost the size of the 30/2 with the requisite bearing for it are among the changes. But as you correctly point out, these are basic refinements of very sound engineering.

As far as sales go, I know of few who were given an A/B of 20/2 and 30/2 and could afford both who bought the 20/2. It happened but not often, relatively speaking. That said, the 20/12 tended to steal some of the 30/2s thunder because of the greater sonic weight and the mid price between 20/2 and 30/2. The 20/3 while slightly more money than the 20/2 it replaces, is much closer to what a 30/2 does than the 20/2 is. I suspect that the 30/2 sales will suffer a bit simply because the 20/3 is that much closer to it.

I'm not saying someone shouldn't own and love any SME turntable. They're all built for you and your descendants to enjoy as you well know. They're even more enjoyable if you can find a cherry used one in the price range of this thread, which I believe was the original point you made. :thumbsup:

Again my apologies for the 3rd person Jeff.

[Tonepub]

Fair enough Jeff. "Bill" says I should have put a smiley to indicate I was poking fun because I didn't see you up there, only at Lotus and downstairs by Bouchon. I did not mean to sound like I was talking down. Mea culpa and my apologies.

SME wouldn't make changes to the basic engineering of the table unless they feel there is valid reason to do so. They got that right the first time and have been refining ever since as you suggest.

As for the a/b we do it on a regular basis in house and we'll have to agree to disagree. The differences are more than subtle. The cool thing, as you point out, is the consistency of the SME sound. That consistency is what makes the 20/2 or 20/12 the great values with respect to their 30/2 and 30/12 siblings. As you said, living with any of them would be a joy.

Now the 20/3 is "substantially" different from the 20/2: More massive base plate, more massive top plate, more massive and differently shaped (low and wide vs tall and narrow)motor housing, and a platter almost the size of the 30/2 with the requisite bearing for it are among the changes. But as you correctly point out, these are basic refinements of very sound engineering.

As far as sales go, I know of few who were given an A/B of 20/2 and 30/2 and could afford both who bought the 20/2. It happened but not often, relatively speaking. That said, the 20/12 tended to steal some of the 30/2s thunder because of the greater sonic weight and the mid price between 20/2 and 30/2. The 20/3 while slightly more money than the 20/2 it replaces, is much closer to what a 30/2 does than the 20/2 is. I suspect that the 30/2 sales will suffer a bit simply because the 20/3 is that much closer to it.

I'm not saying someone shouldn't own and love any SME turntable. They're all built for you and your descendants to enjoy as you well know. They're even more enjoyable if you can find a cherry used one in the price range of this thread, which I believe was the original point you made. :thumbsup:

Again my apologies for the 3rd person Jeff.

No worries dude!

As you pointed out, you really can't go wrong no matter WHAT SME table you buy. They are all built like tanks and their service is impeccable. I suspect someday I will have an SME 30 whether I need it or not!

Even though I don't own one at present I still have four SME arms (down from five, now that one is on the way to one of our members!) and it's usually my first choice when someone asks me what table to buy.

I also think your choice of music dictates the diff between the 20 and the 30. Listening to more rock and jazz, I didn't hear as much diff between them, but if I listened to a high percentage of classical music, that extra weight really comes in handy!

[Puma Cat]

Speaking of SMEs, I was down at the Analog Room today in San Jose picking up few LPs, and heard a Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum on an SME 20/2 with a IV.VI arm and Air Tight tube phono, pre and 300b monoblocks....

Sounded pretty delish...

[jdandy]

Speaking of SMEs, I was down at the Analog Room today in San Jose picking up few LPs, and heard a Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum on an SME 20/2 with a IV.VI arm and Air Tight tube phono, pre and 300b monoblocks....

Sounded pretty delish...

Stephen.......That's a heck of a record store sound system. The Analog Room sounds like a great store.

I remember the Tower Records store of 40 years ago, down toward the Wharf in San Franciso. They stayed open 24 hours a day, and had big McIntosh power amps up on wall shelves driving Large Advents all over the store. Not on par with what you described, but still far better than most record stores. I remember buying lots of albums at Music Millennium in Portland, Oregon. They had a great in-store sound system, too, and that was 30 years ago. I wonder what they have in there now.

[jdandy]

I just did a Google Street View of Music Millennium in Portland, Oregon. Amazing, the outside of that store hasn't changed a nickles worth since I last walked through that front door in 1981. This is a great music store.


http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq255/jdandy_photos/MusicMillennium.jpg

[Puma Cat]

Dan,
The Analog Room is also a gear store...they sell Harbeth, Quad, Sonus-Faber and their own new "Voce" (Italian for "voice") speakers, Air Tight, Wavestream, Ayre, and Sim Electronics, and Nottingham Space Decks, as well as SME gear. One of Sumiko's (SME's distributor) largest retailers of SME gear and likely one of the largest retailers of Koetsu in the U.S. But about 1/2 the store is dedicated to LPs, both new and very good quality originals. Not a CD to be found in the place. Interesting store if you can put up with the owner and his cigars; BTW, the owner probably has about 10,000 of his own personal LPs at the store and probably another 30,000 at his home. And we're talking mint, original stuff...as well as mint, original stuff for sale. I also almost dropped 55 clams on a original mono EmArcy Cannonball Adderley LP from probably 1959 that was flawless. I'll get it next time if it's still there...

For you guys just gettin' into vinyl, like Ivan has been recently, if you haven't heard some of the original mono stuff from the late 50s or early 60s, like an original deep-groove mono Blue Note (with the "ear" in the dead wax) with a good mono cartridge, you have not heard how good LPs can sound. There is a presence and you-are-thereness to these monos that modern LPs can't touch...the Music Matters come close the majority of the time, but some of these monos are extraordinary.

[Puma Cat]

Putting up with Brian is okay, it's just having come home and throw your clothes in the laundry if he and his buddies are all smokin' their Cubans.

[Puma Cat]

LOL! Yeah...

[1KW]

I put a bid in on a brand new gyrodec se for sale on audiogon today and my offer was accepted. I will need to buy a tonearm, right now I am leaning toward a SME309 and a blackbird MC cartridge although I am open to suggestions . This combination hopefully will sound much better than my C220/technic SL1200 .

http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/pic/tur/michell_gyrose.jpg

[f1 fan]

David...that's a beautiful 'table, congrats on your purchase and enjoy spinning. Post pics.

Dave

[BlueChiaro]

Congrats, David...I'm glad that the deal worked out for you!

[Removed]

I put a bid in on a brand new gyrodec se for sale on audiogon today and my offer was accepted. I will need to buy a tonearm, right now I am leaning toward a SME309 and a blackbird MC cartridge although I am open to suggestions . This combination hopefully will sound much better than my C220/technic SL1200 .

http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/pic/tur/michell_gyrose.jpg

Congrats on your new table....

This may be helpful Pedersens Gyro (http://www.pedersensgyro.com/)

[Puma Cat]

Congrats. An SME 309 would be perfect for your Gyro SE. You'll need to get an SME-specific arm board for it and possibly different arm board stand-offs. Get the ones that incorporate the little O-rings between the arm board and the stand-off. Also be sure it comes with the little felt ring that goes over the spindle between the record and the platter. If you get an SME 309, think about getting a new phono cable as the stock SME phono cables leave something to be desired. If you do get a new phono cable, be sure it uses a 90 deg DIN that is about the size of an SME or Cardas 90 Deg DIN (not a Furutech 90 DIN which will not fit). If you need new parts, you can get them from Artech Electronics:

http://www.artech-electronics.com/us/index.html

Be sure the seller packs the table well; hopefully he has all the original packing materials.

[two dot]

Congrats David, glad that you will be spinning again soon!!!!


I second what has been said about early MONO recordings.... the copy of Sonny Boy Williamson that I picked up yesterday has you feeling that you are in the room with him and the Yardbirds on that December day in 1963...

[Tonepub]

RSP is definitely the sweet spot in the Koetsu line. Lots of resolution yet still has the warmth. Urushi Blue isn't bad either but the RSP is definitely my favorite.

Been listening to the SoundSmith Sussaro for some time now. THis is also very special. (only) $4800. Definitely knocking on the door of the 10K carts.

[jdandy]

David.......Fantastic. The Michell Gyro is a sweet turntable, and represents an excellent value. I am considering this turntable and the Michell Special Version TecnoArm as a replacement for my Micro Seiki.


http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue8/images/michell.jpg

[Puma Cat]

I put a bid in on a brand new gyrodec se for sale on audiogon today and my offer was accepted. I will need to buy a tonearm, right now I am leaning toward a SME309 and a blackbird MC cartridge although I am open to suggestions . This combination hopefully will sound much better than my C220/technic SL1200 .


Be sure to check out this step by step setup guide:

Michell Engineering Turntable Manuals for GyroDec, Orbe, Mycro, Gyro SE (http://www.angelfire.com/music5/michell_gyrodec/)

[cmalak]

David...congrats on the new Michell spinner :thumbsup:

[1KW]

This is the picture that was posted in the ad . The seller is including the receipt from music direct. He says "New in sealed box Michell Gyrodec SE recently purchased from MUSICDIRECT as a replacement for a storm damaged unit. " I guess I will find out.

http://pic4.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1296592306.jpg

[1KW]

Thanks everyone for the various links. I had no idea this table could be tweeked so much, this is going to be fun.

[Puma Cat]

This is the picture that was posted in the ad . The seller is including the receipt from music direct. He says "New in sealed box Michell Gyrodec SE recently purchased from MUSICDIRECT as a replacement for a storm damaged unit. " I guess I will find out.

http://pic4.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1296592306.jpg

Perfect, now you know it will be properly packed.

Take your time and follow the instructions thoroughly. i laid everything out on a large table with the bits apprpropriately grouped. It takes some time to assemble, but is straightforward. Just follow the instructions carefully.

[1KW]

Puma Cat lets see some pictures of your turntable .

[Puma Cat]

Okay...here it is being upacked...

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/GyroSE-1.jpg

Everything laid out nice and neat for assembly.

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/GyroSE-2.jpg

The frame:
http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/GyroSE-3.jpg

All done:
http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/GyroSE-4.jpg

Spinning a Blue Note:
http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/GyroSE-5.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/GyroSE-6.jpg

Next to it's EAR phono stage. The EAR now rests on the shelf below the Gyro. Still sitting on light board an inner tube, though.
http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/EAR%202.jpg

My Gyro now has a Shelter 501MKII cartridge on it that i bought used with <200 hours on it for $500. The Shelter is my first MC cartridge. Finally have it set up pretty sweet-sounding. Had to get the damping and VTA just right, but now it's got a lot of that mid-range magic that Jeff talks about (it's one of favorite carts as well) without sounding strident on the top as some MCs can.

Right now it's playing an Analogue Productions 45 Blue Note of Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue and it sounds, well, really nice....

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/websize/Shelter.jpg

[jdandy]

Stephen.......I don't know how much more of this I can take.

[Puma Cat]

If you were with me listening to Kenny's guitar with Stanley Turrentine on sax, it would be even tougher! :D

[Puma Cat]

So, I'm wondering how 1KW likes his new Gyro SE MkII.

[W9TR]

I've always loved the look of the Michell Gyrodecks. I'm jealous. That is one sweet 'table.

[1KW]

So, I'm wondering how 1KW likes his new Gyro SE MkII.


I am still waiting for it :yes:

[jdandy]

I spent the entire afternoon listening to vinyl. Most enjoyable. My Micro Seiki turntable with the MA505 arm and Ortofon 2M Black cartridge sounds damn good. :thumbsup:

[Puma Cat]

I spent the entire afternoon listening to vinyl. Most enjoyable. My Micro Seiki turntable with the MA505 arm and Ortofon 2M Black cartridge sounds damn good. :thumbsup:

Sounds great. I spent the entire night before last spinning vinyl...mostly jazz 45s.

[jdandy]

Stephen........I was spinning a little of everything today on the turntable, Larry Carlton, Sergio Mendes, Shadowfax, Emmylou Harris, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lou Donaldson, Cal Tjader.

[Puma Cat]

I have to say I'm always impressed with the quality and variety of your listening choices in the "What are you listening to now" or "What are you spinning now" forum threads. I'll post what I'm really enjoying right now in the appropriate thread, but all I can say is I wish you could join me for some listening to the Gyro. What's in right now is very tasty Speakers Corner LP.

[1KW]

I need a tone arm for my turntable ?

[cmalak]

I need a tone arm for my turntable ?

David...I thought you were going with the SME 309 option from prior posts in this thread. Are you still undecided? It seems like SME is the preferred option with this table.

[jdandy]

I need a tone arm for my turntable ?

David.......To answer your question, yes you do. Without a tonearm, it is very difficult to play vinyl. Without a tonearm your Michell Gyro SE is nothing more than a motorized lazy susan. :D

[jdandy]

Others might, but you'll get by without one.:D

:lmao: :lmao:

[1KW]

Here are some pictures of the my new Michelle Gyrodec SE without the tone arm and motor yet installed. I have to say the pictures do not capture the quality of the mechanical engineering which is so obvious when you are putting this table to together. The metal base has removable counter balance weights not visible in the pictures on the under surface. All the parts fit together perfectly, the instruction manual is very good with color pictures to illustrate each move in the assembly. A slight push to get this platter moving and it keeps spinning for a really long time. I have not heard a LP on it yet but so far I can say the build quality is a big :thumbsup: .

[BlueChiaro]

Great way to spend a weekend, David...beautiful.

[jdandy]

David.......Congratulations. The Michell Gyro SE looks very attractive on your shelf. I feel certain you will will be happy with this turntable once it is outfitted with an good arm and quality cartridge. What arm board came with the Gyro SE?

BTW, the Gyrodec is a different set up. It has a large acrylic plinth, and integrated dust cover. A Gyro SE can be made into a Gryodec by adding the plinth and dustcover. This is the Michell Gyrodec.


http://audio-life.nl/sites/default/files/michell-gyrodec.jpg

[gtubes]

David.......Congratulations. The Michell Gyro SE looks very attractive on your shelf. I feel certain you will will be happy with this turntable once it is outfitted with an good arm and quality cartridge. What arm board came with the Gyro SE?

BTW, the Gyrodec is a different set up. It has a large acrylic plinth, and integrated dust cover. A Gyro SE can be made into a Gryodec by adding the plinth and dustcover. This is the Michell Gyrodec.


http://audio-life.nl/sites/default/files/michell-gyrodec.jpg

oh man, that is gorgeous

[1KW]

I ordered a new SME 309 tone arm and arm board today. I'll post some picture once it arrives .

[cmalak]

Congrats David :thumbsup:

[Tonepub]

Sounds good!

[BlueChiaro]

I ordered a new SME 309 tone arm and arm board today. I'll post some picture once it arrives .

Forget the pics...get it setup and start spinning. :D Congrats

[two dot]

David,

You now have one of the the finest pick up arms ever made.

Congrats.

[gtubes]

I'm jealous actually, been watching this thread and doing some SME research, that's going to be quite a table...:yes:

[two dot]

Greg,

Did you sell the Mc speakers??

[gtubes]

Greg,

Did you sell the Mc speakers??

Stephen, taking them to my local dealer/friend this weekend, he will sell them on consignment for me (deal with potential buyers, the shipping, that sort of thing).

[gtubes]

I ordered a new SME 309 tone arm and arm board today. I'll post some picture once it arrives .

David, what made the decision between the 309 and the V ?

[jdandy]

David, what made the decision between the 309 and the V ?

Greg....... Cha-Ching!


http://www.suberapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/cha-ching_headline2.jpg

[1KW]

This turntable is my first real dip in the audiophiles analog waters. I had a technics before with my C220 and it just never compared with my Mcd500. I will admit that many of my
Lp's are old and used. My first upgrade was selling my C220 and buying a C2300 . I'm expecting the phono section will be much better sounding then the C220. Next was the turntable and SME arm. I did not want to invest in a IV or V as I'm not sure I would here enough of a difference . The last piece of the puzzle will be my cartridge. The number of great cartridges to pick from makes the decision difficult since you can't compare them like you do with other parts of your system. The other thing about buying a good cartridge is fear of it becoming damaged very easily. I had a problem with the cantilever on my AT440mla that I had in my technics turntable and I was very careful.

[jdandy]

David.......I understood the issue with your old Audio-Technica phono cartridge was not from mishandling, it was a failure of the stylus suspension system, right? That certainly cannot be considered your fault, but I can see how it might make you skittish.

My guess is you will most likely be installing a moving coil phono cartridge. The stylus and cantilever on moving coil cartridges are far more delicate than the stylus and cantilever on your old AT cartridge, so whichever one you ultimately decide to install will require you to develop an accurate handling technique, always centered around using the damped tonearm lift. Moving coil stylus/cantilever systems are not user replaceable like most of the moving magnet phono cartridges are, so a mishandling error can become a disaster in a hurry, plus time consuming to repair, and often at great expense. You will be fine with your new equipment once you become familiar with it. Develop good skills, and use these skills every time.

[Tonepub]

The 501 is really one of my favorite all around cartridges that doesn't cost crazy money... You certainly can't go wrong with that choice.
And the 501 is a great match with your 2300...

[1KW]

Fresh factory sealed

[Tonepub]

A nice feeling!

[KMC45]

Get that damn thing on the table, toss the Shelter on it, then start listening to some vinyl.

Wait to get all torn up about this shit when you start thinking about spending some big money.:D

[1KW]

The package took a few weeks to make it to my office today so..." I will not be able to get the damn thing on the table and toss the Shelter on it" until tomorrow when I pick up the cartridge :D

[1KW]

Keith I think it has been more agonizing for you :D reading this thread. I wish I could buy a SME 30 like you have but this is only one of my hobbies .

[BlueChiaro]

Glad to hear that the 309 arrived, David. Have fun getting things together & setup. :yes:

[jdandy]

The package took a few weeks to make it to my office today so..." I will not be able to get the damn thing on the table and toss the Shelter on it" until tomorrow when I pick up the cartridge :D

David.......What cartridge did you decide to install on the SME 309?

[1KW]

After consulting with Serge who ran the spec. numbers ie harmonics and resonant frequencies for my tonearm I went with his recommendation; Thanks a lot it is sounding wonderful. I have a new dynevector 20XL. Here are a few pictures of the table set up and sounding very sweet so far.

[Puma Cat]

After consulting with Serge who ran the spec. numbers ie harmonics and resonant frequencies for my tonearm I went with his recommendation; Thanks a lot it is sounding wonderful. I have a new dynevector 20XL. Here are a few pictures of the table set up and sounding very sweet so far.

As the Ozzies, say, "Beauty!" Good to have another Gyro SE owner here! ;) They mate wonderfully with the SME arms, too.

Give us your impressions of the Dynavector once it runs in.

As it so happens, I am listening to my Michell as I type this...have a nice Argo recording of Bach's Brandenburgs on played by "The Academy"

[cmalak]

After consulting with Serge who ran the spec. numbers ie harmonics and resonant frequencies for my tonearm I went with his recommendation; Thanks a lot it is sounding wonderful. I have a new dynevector 20XL. Here are a few pictures of the table set up and sounding very sweet so far.

Congrats Dave :thumbsup: The Dynavector 20XL is a great cartridge. I was equally split between it and Benz Micro Glider SL. Enjoy the new rig and looking forward to hear what you think about it :yes:

[jdandy]

David.......Have fun.

[1KW]

If you want music, the Dynavector so far is sounding superb !

[jdandy]

David.......It could have been much, much better, in my opinion, but glad to hear the Dynavector 20XL is making you happy.

[1KW]

I know the Dynavector is not broken in yet but it sounds very good already. Nice midrange, nice detail and bass is natural sounding. Imaging so far is better than I expected. Background is black. This sounds better than my MCD500.

[cmalak]

I know the Dynavector is not broken in yet but it sounds very good already. Nice midrange, nice detail and bass is natural sounding. Imaging so far is better than I expected. Background is black. This sounds better than my MCD500.

:yes: :thumbsup:

[Puma Cat]

This sounds better than my MCD500.

Ha! :tresbon:

Now you're discovering what we vinyl guys have been saying all along! ;)

Right now I'm listening to a 6 LP Philips boxed set with The Academy of St-Martin-in-the-Fields playing Haydn's "Name Symphonies". I haven't even cleaned this LP on the VPI yet and still it is dead quiet and with killer dynamics, scale, delicacy, and hall ambience. Fantastic recording.

Cost me a whopping $3.99 from Amoeba in Berkeley. :thumbsup:

[f1 fan]

Stephen...nice rig you have;) I bet the 45 rpm's sound amazing.

David...your 'table looks great in your system;) enjoy spinning with your new cartridge.

Dave

[Puma Cat]

Stephen...nice rig you have;) I bet the 45 rpm's sound amazing.


The 45s do sound pretty amazing. I've been collecting a few lately. I just picked up a new Music Matters 45 LP of Donald Byrd's The Cat Walk for $10 off, $39 instead of the normal $49. Wonderful record.

One of my fave 45s lately is Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue by Analogue Productions. Fantastic record.

Right now, though, I'm curled up with a margarita in the Zero Gravity chair, listening to the CT-5 pre with my old black Macbook-based music server and my über-expensive DAC, the HRT Music Streamer II; cost me $110, NIB. This little puppy sounds d*mn good for 110 clams. Is an Ayre QB-9? No, but it sounds better than an Arcam rDAC IMHO (probably because the Arcam does not have galvanic isolation).

:thumbsup:

[Tonepub]

Can you define galvanic isolation?

[Puma Cat]

From Wikipedia:

"Galvanic isolation is the principle of isolating functional sections of electrical systems, preventing the movement of charge-carrying particles from one section to another, i.e. there is no electric current directly from one section to the next. Energy or information can still be exchanged between the sections by other means, e.g. capacitance, induction, electromagnetic waves, or optical, acoustic, or mechanical means.

Galvanic isolation is used in situations where two or more electric circuits must communicate, but their grounds may be at different potentials. It is an effective method of breaking ground loops by preventing unwanted current between two units sharing a ground conductor."

From Chris Connaker at Computer Audiophile:

"The main issue I have with the rDAC is its lack of galvanic isolation between the computer and DAC. A computer is an electrically noisy harsh environment compared to high-end audio equipment. Galvanic isolation stops electric current flowing directly from the computer into the DAC."

Both HRT and Peachtree have specifically implemented galvanic isolation in their DAC designs to circumvent these issues.

[BearCubinNY]

Can you define galvanic isolation?

My layman's understanding:

Helps keep the electronic 'dirt and noise' of the computer from being passed down the line to the DAC. Most implementations of USB use the power on the cable, thus causing the problem.

Reg

[two dot]

This sounds better than my MCD500.


Another vinyl convert....

Congrats David... it will just keep getting better

[1KW]

David.......It could have been much, much better, in my opinion, but glad to hear the Dynavector 20XL is making you happy.

Dan,

On the way to the dealer to buy a new Shelter 501 MKII a funny thing happended. First I spoke to Serge on the phone who recommended the Dynavector over the Shelter after looking at the specs, maybe he will comment . Then when I arrived the dealer asked me about the rest of my system . He felt strongly that the Shelter was going to be too warm sounding for my all Mcintosh / Sonus Faber system especially since I like to listen to rock and some jazz. I don't have alot of female vocals on LP or classical music. The Shelter has a reputation of "lush" midrange just like my Elipsa's and Mcintosh. Too much of something is not always a good thing. The dealer recommended the Dynavector 20XL or the 20XL 2 . Before I could make up my mind he told me he uses the 20XL in his own home system and he could use any cartridge in the store that he wanted. I remembered hearing how fantastic the Dynavector XX-2MKII sounded in Serge's system. At the time I never knew the SF Cremona's he was using could sound like that. I am curious about how the 20 XL 2 sounds :scratch2:

[MC352]

David, congratulations on your new TT, and Tonearm. It's a real beauty, and I'm sure it will sound as good as it looks.

[Tonepub]

Dan,

On the way to the dealer to buy a new Shelter 501 MKII a funny thing happended. First I spoke to Serge on the phone who recommended the Dynavector over the Shelter after looking at the specs, maybe he will comment . Then when I arrived the dealer asked me about the rest of my system . He felt strongly that the Shelter was going to be too warm sounding for my all Mcintosh / Sonus Faber system especially since I like to listen to rock and some jazz. I don't have alot of female vocals on LP or classical music. The Shelter has a reputation of "lush" midrange just like my Elipsa's and Mcintosh. Too much of something is not always a good thing. The dealer recommended the Dynavector 20XL or the 20XL 2 . Before I could make up my mind he told me he uses the 20XL in his own home system and he could use any cartridge in the store that he wanted. I remembered hearing how fantastic the Dynavector XX-2MKII sounded in Serge's system. At the time I never knew the SF Cremona's he was using could sound like that. I am curious about how the 20 XL 2 sounds :scratch2:

That is a good point. The 20XL2 is definitely more neutral than the Shelter. Either that or the 17D3 might be an excellent match.

As I said, unfortunately you will need to start somewhere and see what you like....

Big dynavector fan here!

[jdandy]

On the way to the dealer to buy a new Shelter 501 MKII a funny thing happended. First I spoke to Serge on the phone who recommended the Dynavector over the Shelter after looking at the specs, maybe he will comment . Then when I arrived the dealer asked me about the rest of my system . He felt strongly that the Shelter was going to be too warm sounding for my all Mcintosh / Sonus Faber system especially since I like to listen to rock and some jazz. I don't have alot of female vocals on LP or classical music. The Shelter has a reputation of "lush" midrange just like my Elipsa's and Mcintosh. Too much of something is not always a good thing. The dealer recommended the Dynavector 20XL or the 20XL 2 . Before I could make up my mind he told me he uses the 20XL in his own home system and he could use any cartridge in the store that he wanted. I remembered hearing how fantastic the Dynavector XX-2MKII sounded in Serge's system. At the time I never knew the SF Cremona's he was using could sound like that. I am curious about how the 20 XL 2 sounds :scratch2:


David.......To each their own. Everyone's got an opinion, and that's one of the reasons this hobby remains interesting. Fortunately, you seem to be happy with the results of the two opinions that swayed your purchase, and that's a good thing. Enjoy your new analog rig.

[Formerly YB-2]

No one pimping the VPI Classic 3 or Scoutmaster Sig w/10.5 arm? Both get excellent reviews and list price is under $5K.

[1KW]

I have the Shelter 501 on the Gyrodec SE / SME 309 for a week now and the sound seems to be pretty much the same as it was after the first 10 LP's so far. I must have only about 6-8 hours on it so far.

[jdandy]

David.......Keep playing it. :yes:

There is no magic potion for break in. :no:

[1KW]

David.......Keep playing it. :yes:

There is no magic potion for break in. :no:

:thumbsup: I am listening to the Doobie Brothers: Listen to the Music :banana:
what a appropriate song :D

[jdandy]

:thumbsup: I am listening to the Doobie Brothers: Listen to the Music :banana:
what a appropriate song :D

David.......How is it sounding?

[1KW]

David.......How is it sounding?

Like I want to buy only vinyl from now on :guitar:
My MCD500 is very jealous at the moment :yes:

[gtubes]

Like I want to buy only vinyl from now on :guitar:
My MCD500 is very jealous at the moment :yes:

Priceless answer, I'm so happy you are enjoying the new table. I've been watching since your Technics 1200...what an evolution!

[j3brow]

No one pimping the VPI Classic 3 or Scoutmaster Sig w/10.5 arm? Both get excellent reviews and list price is under $5K.

Very happy with my SM Sig w/10.5i arm :yes:

[Formerly YB-2]

I have the Shelter 501 on the Gyrodec SE / SME 309 for a week now and the sound seems to be pretty much the same as it was after the first 10 LP's so far. I must have only about 6-8 hours on it so far.Will open up with some additional run-time. Wish I had been clever enough to hold on to the SME 309 when I sold my VPI HW18 MkIV. Easily the best sounding TA I've owned.
Very happy with my SM Sig w/10.5i arm :yes:Am trying to decide if I should go with the Scoutmaster, SM Sig, your 10.5i configuration or the Classic 2. :dunno: Reviews on both are excellent and one reviewer has replaced his SM with the Classic as his reference TT. Perhaps the base SM with the 10.5i as an upgrade at some future date. Decisions, decisions...............

[1KW]

David.......Keep playing it. :yes:

There is no magic potion for break in. :no:

As another week goes by I am just amazed at how much I am enjoying this turntable with the SME309 and Shelter 501. Thanks again AA for the recommendations and guidance :thumbsup:

[jdandy]

David.......It looks like I won't be getting the turntable, arm, and cartridge from you after all. I am glad you found a new excitement in vinyl playback.

[Puma Cat]

As another week goes by I am just amazed at how much I am enjoying this turntable with the SME309 and Shelter 501. Thanks again AA for the recommendations and guidance :thumbsup:

That's great! :yes:

It's a great combination of TT, arm and cartridge! :thumbsup:

[Puma Cat]

David,....I think what you're also experiencing is that the Shelter is starting to fully run-in and getting better and better.

[Puma Cat]

Will open up with some additional run-time. Wish I had been clever enough to hold on to the SME 309 when I sold my VPI HW18 MkIV. Easily the best sounding TA I've owned.
Am trying to decide if I should go with the Scoutmaster, SM Sig, your 10.5i configuration or the Classic 2. :dunno: Reviews on both are excellent and one reviewer has replaced his SM with the Classic as his reference TT. Perhaps the base SM with the 10.5i as an upgrade at some future date. Decisions, decisions...............

I would listen to any TT before buying if possible. I've heard a no. of VPI Scouts and Scoutmasters and, for me, they are not my cup of tea at all. I find them thin, analytical, and hard-sounding. The Classic may be a different story.

If I may make a suggestion, check out a Clearaudio Concept; I really prefer it to the Scout, for example. The arm on the Concept is fantastic.

[1KW]

That's great! :yes:

It's a great combination of TT, arm and cartridge! :thumbsup:

I can't understand why the TT is not more popular ?

[1KW]

David.......It looks like I won't be getting the turntable, arm, and cartridge from you after all. I am glad you found a new excitement in vinyl playback.

Dan

I am just breaking it in for you, what are friends for :yes: Once your amp. upgrade is complete and the newness has worn off let me know as I have my eye another turntable already :yes: If your not interested I can be happy with this one for awhile.

[jdandy]

Dan

I am just breaking it in for you, what are friends for :yes: Once your amp. upgrade is complete and the newness has worn off let me know as I have my eye another turntable already :yes: If your not interested I can be happy with this one for awhile.

David.......This is interesting news. What turntable? What tonearm, and what cartridge?

Are you picking it up next week? :D

[MC352]

David, your thinking of selling the TT already??

[Puma Cat]

I can't understand why the TT is not more popular ?

What you've discovered is what a lot of guys discover. They get into audio (or back into audio, like me), they're listening to CDs or more recently, digital files via music servers. They see others who are into analog, and get curious enough to take the plunge into vinyl, and find out what those of us who have been into it all along have been talking about.

There is just something about vinyl that is just right, but is hard to put your finger on, but you know it once you hear it.

For me, it was a re-discovery. I was into audio when I was a kid out of college during the first "high-end" boom. I got out of it for over 20 years, and then when I got back into it, I was looking at my Rega Planar 3 sitting there unused all those years and thought, "I should put on a record"....well, that was all she wrote. I had completely forgotten how good vinyl could sound. Fortunately, I never threw out any of my vinyl, which I am most glad now that I did not.

That led to me building a dedicated two-channel system, getting the SME V, which led me to the Michell...and it's been a "spiral" ever since! ;)

I still have my Rega Planar 3 from 1981 and it's still perfect, even the cover is in superb shape. Back when I bought it, Rega wasn't even making arms yet! The hot set-up were the Grace 707 or the hot new, low mass, SME. Being an SME guy, I put an SME Series III on it.

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/Rega%201.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/Sonata%203.jpg

When I got back into audio and analog in '08, i put a Groovetracer Reference subplatter on it, the one with the sapphire jewel on the business end of the thrust bearing and a zirconium oxide ball bearing. This lowered the noise floor of the Rega considerably, and took the Rega to a markedly higher level of performance.

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/Groovetracer-1.jpg

Once I bought my SME V, I couldn't stand not hearing it, so I temporarily put it on the Rega while I was waiting for my Michell to arrive, hee hee! ;)

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/SME_V%20and%20Rega-1.jpg

The black SME V looked really cool on the black Planar 3, I must admit.

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/large/SME_V%20and%20Rega-2.jpg

The cartridge is a Grado Reference Sonata I was using while waiting for my Grace to come back from Peter at Soundsmith (see notes below).

Note the ultra-trick, high-end "Stalking Leopard" anti-resonance device. This resonance predator stalks out low level resonances and kills them dead before they knew what hit 'em! :D

I have a Grace Ruby F9E cartridge on it from 1987, which had a ruby cantilever; not so unusual now, but quite radical at the time. The Grace is still a great-sounding cartridge and at the time was regarded as the best moving magnet made; Harry Pearson raved about it in TAS (some still regard it as one of the best sounding moving magnets ever made).

Mine was retipped in 2009 with a new stylus and ruby cantilever by Peter Lindemann at Soundsmith. With the new cantilever and stylus that Peter put on, this cartridge pulls just an incredible amount of detail out of the groove, as much as my Shelter 501, and more than my Grado Sonata.


http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/fujif31andf20photos/Grace-2.jpg

It's is still a truly excellent-sounding table, and still going strong literally 30 years on...this is a testament to the quality and durability of Rega tables. My Rega is now on a long-term loan to a buddy who is really enjoying it. My guess is he won't want to give it back and will want to buy it.

[KMC45]

That's a combination you don't see every day.:D

[1KW]

Here is my 4 month impression with the Gyro SE / SME 309 / Shelter 501

Visually this turntable is a piece of art and is just beutiful to look at . It fits in will with the rest of my system . Build quality of the SME tone arm is top notch; it reminds me of a rolex. Built like a tank yet the fit and finish is like jewelry. I like that I can cue up a record and the tonearm descends so slowly I have time to walk to my listening chair on the other side of the room and wait for the music to start to play.

Most importantly the sound has really come into its own. It does not matter if I play rock, pop, jazz or classical the sound is wonderful. Previously when I would hear a trumpet such as Miles Davis or Wynston Marsalis on my old technics I would have to turn the volume down due to a sense of harshness. On the contrary I want to turn the volume up with this turntable :D . Live albums such as Eric Clapton Unplugged are a sensory treat . I love the analog bass and midrange imaging :D I am very appreciative to those who steered me toward this turntable. As opposed to many cd's where I want to skip around to the next song, when I play an LP I just want to sit back and take in the whole side. The record clamp really makes the LP's lay nice and flat. Hunting for new vinyl has been fun as well; the spin clean that was recommended here has made many of my 30 year old and older LP's sound new again. :D

[MC352]

David,
It's good to hear you're still loving your Gryo TT.

All in with arm and cartridge are you still under $5K.

Listening to vinyl slows you down, and I think you start to appreciate the music more.

[1KW]

David,
It's good to hear you're still loving your Gryo TT.

All in with arm and cartridge are you still under $5K.

Listening to vinyl slows you down, and I think you start to appreciate the music more.

Chuck you can buy everything brand new and be just below or very close to the 5k number . Buying the C2300 to have a better phono stage compared to the C220 was well worth the investement as well. I think I am set for 2011 .

[cmalak]

David...good to hear you're happy with the Michell Gyro SE/SME/Shelter combo. You should join us on the "What Are You Spinning Thread" whenever you get a chance. It's fun to see what other AA'ers are spinning on any given day/night. :thumbsup:

[jwhite613]

David, It's great to hear you are still enjoying spinning vinyl. Beautiful table & set-up and at a reasonable price. What phono cable are you using? I could not believe my ears when I switched to the Furutech Ag-12 Phono Cable. I plan on trying some others down the road for comparison.

[two dot]

David,

Glad that you are enjoying your time with us on the "Dark Side"


You have a beautiful system, room, and now TT.

It is really nice to see others that find how truly enjoyable vinyl is.

Vinyl=Music :D

[1KW]

Cmalak I will check out that thread :thumbsup:

Jwhite613 I am using the stock SME cable right now but I am open to suggestions :yes:

Stephen thank you for the kind words :D

[BlueChiaro]

Here is my 4 month impression with the Gyro SE / SME 309 / Shelter 501

Visually this turntable is a piece of art and is just beutiful to look at . It fits in will with the rest of my system . Build quality of the SME tone arm is top notch; it reminds me of a rolex. Built like a tank yet the fit and finish is like jewelry. I like that I can cue up a record and the tonearm descends so slowly I have time to walk to my listening chair on the other side of the room and wait for the music to start to play.

Most importantly the sound has really come into its own. It does not matter if I play rock, pop, jazz or classical the sound is wonderful. Previously when I would hear a trumpet such as Miles Davis or Wynston Marsalis on my old technics I would have to turn the volume down due to a sense of harshness. On the contrary I want to turn the volume up with this turntable :D . Live albums such as Eric Clapton Unplugged are a sensory treat . I love the analog bass and midrange imaging :D I am very appreciative to those who steered me toward this turntable. As opposed to many cd's where I want to skip around to the next song, when I play an LP I just want to sit back and take in the whole side. The record clamp really makes the LP's lay nice and flat. Hunting for new vinyl has been fun as well; the spin clean that was recommended here has made many of my 30 year old and older LP's sound new again. :D

Good times in Davidville! :yes: Glad to hear that things have only gotten more enjoyable. Certainly anything that has you listening more, longer is a winning setup...well done!

Sent from my DROIDX using A.Aficionado

[1KW]

Good times in Davidville! :yes: Glad to hear that things have only gotten more enjoyable. Certainly anything that has you listening more, longer is a winning setup...well done!

Sent from my DROIDX using A.Aficionado

Robert you made me laugh with the "Davidville" comment, that is a good name for my basement :D I'll see you at the Cape next weekend :thumbsup:

[vandenplass]

the best one under 5 bucks....there a lot good one. I switched my Linn lp12 with SME's arm for an Origin Life Sovereign. But before I opted for this one the challenge was the lowest prices model of Origin Life. Try to hear it before a purchase.