From Clearaudio champion level II to.....?

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

Hello my friends,

I've got a strange idea in my head since 3 or 4 months: I don't know why, but I've got the LuFlu, I want to replace my beloved Clearaudio turntable.

Like a traitor, I've tried to find a reason, and when I measured speed values with the Iphone App Platterspeed , I found that the culprit was there; but yesterday I had on loan another Clearaudio motor, and I got the same values...
I've tried to get answers on the Clearaudio Thread, but no one is able to say me if these values are bad and if it's even audible.

To make it short, the idea is in my head now, like a worm in the apple...and I'm in the process to make me a big gift.

I have to say I have two fabulous audio buddies, Jérôme and Georges;I had the chance to listen to the La Platine JC Verdier at Jérôme's place, and it was incredible, I felt in love with this TT; I too read many positive things here and there on the Avid Acutus (very expensive ), and had the chance to listen to the George's one (Volvere) and it was fantastic.

On another side, I was interested in the TRANSROTOR Zet 3, but I listened 2 times to, and it was awful (probably the gear around and the cart ...).A beautiful piece of mechanic though. I would like to get a real demo in my home.

I wanted to see VPI too, Classic 3 or other.



To sum it up, what would you do my friends? I initially had 8k€ to spend on this ? Perhaps the reason....perhaps the passion...

I'm waiting for your opinions.

[Masterlu]

I have both the Avid Acutus SP and the VPI HRX, both premium tables.

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

Thank you Ivan, can you elaborate or say whet's your first choice?

[Masterlu]

They both sound fantastic, the VPI is clearly the better dollar value. I really enjoy them equally.

[John49]

Jean-Marc, image-802175460.jpgimage-4126703914.jpgimage-3998477064.jpgimage-2789307520.jpg You know what I think...

[audio bill]

Jean-Marc - I'm not sure about their availability in France, but as you can see from my avatar I'm partial towards the Nottingham Analogue turntables. I have their Dais model setup with Origin Live's Enterprise tonearm and an Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and the sound quality is absolutely superb. An extremely musical and involving presentation with a very black background. If you have the opportunity to check out the Nottingham tables I think it would be worth your time.

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

John,

Yes I know and thank you again for your very sympathetic PMs.

I do have, as you know, the Acutus SP, but I am out of my budget, even with a very good deal I got. That said, if I can sell or trade in my Clearaudio, this could be my final decision.

Please stay aware for me of good plans in London and let me know, my friend.

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

Thank you Bill,

I do know Nottingham Analogue based on their excellent reputation, but I don't know if they are sold here in France, same problem than Avid, on the importateur's website there is no seller ( but my dealer told me he could get one, even if he has no demo).

I'll do some research today on this brand, thank you again.

BTW, are they sold in US?

[jdandy]

Jean-Marc.......I have admired this turntable for years. It accommodates many different tonearms, perhaps I would install a Graham Phantom.

[audio bill]

Originally Posted by Jean-Marc jmajma

Thank you Bill,

I do know Nottingham Analogue based on their excellent reputation, but I don't know if they are sold here in France, same problem than Avid, on the importateur's website there is no seller ( but my dealer told me he could get one, even if he has no demo).

I'll do some research today on this brand, thank you again.

BTW, are they sold in US?

Nottingham used to be more widely available in the US through an established distribution company (Audiophile Systems Ltd.) that has since gone under, but they are still available and supported by a dealer/distributor in CA.