Best TT you ever heard
 

Half a year ago I decided to return to vinyl and sadly I'm a rookie at best here. I used to own a Clearaudio Solution for many years but sold it and gave up on analogue for quite a while. So I bought myself what looked like a nice vintage Linn Sondek 12 only to discover that it was modified by the seller beyond all recognition. The Linn went back and for personal reasons I had no chance to continue my search. Until now. My main listening is rock and pop, rather than jazz and classical though I have some records of that as well. So the sound I'm looking for is the most emotional and dynamic. And huge. And I hate noise, so the quiter the TT the better. So keeping that in mind, what's the greatest sounding TT you ever heard? And guys, PLEASE post a pic and at least some idea of what it may cost these days!

What is your budget ?

Depends on your budget, Cornholio; and how much of it needs to go for TP for your bunghole.

Unless you factor a record cleaning machine into your budget you are not likely to have the best vinyl listening experience; even brand new vinyl in my experience sounds better with a good cleaning. You should consider getting a moving coil cartridge as they tend be quieter than moving magnet cartridges. After you have an idea on what your budget is we can try to help you.

Best I've heard was the Avid Acutus, both stunning looking and sounding. Having said that, there's a LOT of other good decks around, but that would be a reasonable starting point. Also have a soft spot for the VPI range.

I've heard many of the uber priced ones, but for some reason I keep gravitating back to the AMG V12. Something about it just... well - it is the one that even if I could afford more I would be hard pressed to justify given the overwhelming performance of the V12.

+1. A good RCM makes all the difference. I can't believe how long I waited to get one because I was being cheap and then I jumped in with both feet - remarkable difference on vinyl old and new. The same can be said for upgrading to a great phono stage. And a great MC cartridge. The TT is only one part of the equation and the cost of all these items adds up fast so try to take a balanced approach (and upgrades are similarly never ending). Finally, try to find a pro to do the set up if it's something other than a Rega - I set mine up myself and there was a lot of trial and error even with a Feickart protractor, a digital stylus force gauge and a test record. The end results are worth it IMHO.

Amen to that!

+1

This one....


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6...428_170055.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v...428_170034.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8...428_170102.jpg