Best TT you ever heard

[Cornholio]

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!

[1KW]

What is your budget ?

[Robert_Anderson]

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

[1KW]

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.

[Mr_Sukebe]

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.

[-E-]

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.

[ChrisAZ]

Originally Posted by 1KW

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.

+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.

[John49]

Originally Posted by Mr_Sukebe

Best I've heard was the Avid Acutus...

Amen to that!

[rscotth]

Originally Posted by John49

Amen to that!

+1

[audio39]

This one....