[apollophono]

Not sure if anybody has ever done this.  I want to buy the Marantz TT15 turntable,
I can't afford it.  Here is the deal.  If I buy the table from Music Direct they throw
in a Marantz Consolette $500 value.  If I sell the cartridge Virtuoso Ebony Wood
for $500 and the Consolette for $300 that would bring the cost to me down $800
from a probable $1600 purchase.  That seems like a steal to me.  Not sure if
anybody would be interested in those other items.  Does that sound like a good
plan?   

[orthobiz]

I looked on eBay and you should be able to sell the Consolette (wireless speaker system) for 300 easily.
A SoundSmith reworked Ebony went for 300, unopened new one for 450 so 500 might be a bit steep...

Overall sounds like a wonderful diabolical plan with true audiophile entrepreneurial spirit. You'll have to post how it works out.

Paul

[Ericus Rex]

Do you have any experience with that 'table?  I tried it out and returned it.  I think you'd be much better off with a used VPI Scout or Clearaudio Concept or similar.

[Wayner]

I have also heard its a rumble machine, motor noise creeping into the plinth. I recall someone (e-retailer) selling this table bare-boned for about $800. This table is built completely by Clear Audio, perhaps Clear Audio has something more in your price range.

Or I have been suggesting to people the Rega RP3 as an inexpensive table. It also has its faults, but its under a grand and does have a great arm on it. The platter is glass, with a plastic sub-platter, and kind of a cheezy motor.

Or try find something used.....

[usp1]

I have seen many people do something similar with the TT and cartridge. They either want the cartridge or the table but not both. So it should be worth a try.

[apollophono]

Decisions...Decisions.
Wayner....I've not tried any VPI product.  I'm a Cheap and Cheerful
person, but I do like to dabble into a more expensive category.  I
hadn't heard anything about the motor noise creeping into the
plinth which is hard to believe since the motor is not attatched. 
The value is better with the Marantz since it has higher quality
parts at a cheaper price than any Clearaudio product.  Of course
that doesn't matter if not executed well. 

I'm trying to replace my Project Debut III which to me is a piece of
junk.  Now that has motor noise creep big time.  Sheeesh didn't
think a simple idea could be executed so poorly.  I had a Rega
Planar 2 many moons ago, but it got abused by too much moving.
I still think that was a great table and I do mean great.  Simple
but executed well. 

I've considered the U-Turn Orbit Plus but I'm concerned about
the motor noise issue (is this table another simple idea poorly
executed?) and warranty (90 days). 

What's got my interest is the Technics 1200 models.  Yes I know
about the direct drive vs belt argument, but the more I research the
better direct drive sounds especially the Technics models.  It's
all about the execution for me ultimately resulting in a quality sound
product. 

I have my feelers out right now.  A Technics 1210 MK5 for $600
or wait for availability of the same that has been refurbished from
Japan for $799.  The Orbit and the original idea of the Marantz.

Decisions....Decisions.  Thanks for the ideas guys.  Keep them coming
and I'll try to keep you posted.   

[Wayner]

I have the Technics SL1200MKII (2007 model) and it is a very fine machine, capable of micro-detail. I also have a belt drive VPI HW-19jr which is also very capable of micro-detail. The problem is finding one that hasn't been abused.

Good luck on your quest.

PS, the motor noise on the Marantz may have been coming in thru the belt......

Wayner

[apollophono]

Whew!  After looking at all my options and taking one last look on
Ebay, I bit the bullet and purchased a Technics 1200MK5 that
was in good/great condition.  It had been serviced and recalibrated.
$613 and some change.  I preferred the 1210 because it's black.
I hope it works like planned.  I still have to buy a headshell and
cartridge.  AT95E should work fine.  Overhang guage $5.00 and
Headshell ~$30. 

Here's my thinking.  Parts are easy to get and cheap.  Not sure if
the Orbit or Marantz  will be in the future.  Was worried about the
motor noise.  You are right Wayner; the belt can and will transfer
motor noise as is happening with my Debut III.  The Orbit got a
big thumbs up by Michael Fremer (Thanks Wushilu), but he hasn't
lived with it for any length of time and who knows what will be
discovered (ie. motor noise on the Debut III). 

Ease of use.  Knowing the RPM is accurate is a little settling,
although neither the Marantz or Orbit seemed to have any
issues there.  Changing cartridges should be really easy on the
Technics (removable headshell); the Orbit and Marantz not as
easy.  Accurate geometry is easy with the Technics. Just use
the overhang guage. 

I don't like the looks of the Technics (would have like to get
the 1210 because it is black), but I listen with my ears and
not my eyes.  If it doesn't work out I don't think I will lose
much money (if any) because the resell value seems to be
good. 

Thanks for input everybody and I will post again when things
arrive and I get a chance to listen. 

 

[Wayner]

I have a 1200MKII in black, they came in both colors (silver the other color). The overhang gauge puts the Technics in a slightly modded Stevenson alignment, which puts most of the mistracking at the beginning of the LP and then that puts the inner null point somewhere in the clean-out/label area, where ever 60.325mm is. I have mine aligned to a Baerwald, because I just can't get the stylus into a Lofgren B, which I personally prefer. At any rate, I'm pretty sure you will be very happy with the 1210. Oil the platter bearing right away and go to the vinyl engine and download the owner's manual if it doesn't come with one.

There are a couple of folks here that just can't accept the fact that a "disco" table can sound as good as the Technics does, but that is just the way the turkey crumbles....

[contium]

I know the OP has made a purchase (congrats btw) but regarding the TT15S1 motor noise, I also had it. So I built an elaborate base that isolated the motor from the turntable and all the motor noise was 100% gone. In my case, it was transfering from the motor thru the shelf to the turnatble feet, not thru the belt. This was easy to determine because I could lift the motor off the shelf and the noise would vanish. Anyhow, I also have an Oracle Paris and removed the fancy shelf to listen to the Paris. Put the Marantz back without the isolating shelf (being lazy) and the motor noise was back. Meanwhile, I bought a Manley Chinook to replace my Hagerman Bugle and all the motor noise went away. Can't figure out why. With the Bugle, you only heard the noise when the needle was on the record. How a phonostage could change that is bizarre.

I also tried out a Music Hall speed controller which really made things noise at 33 rpm. The Music Hall uses the 45 rpm pulley and slows down the motor at 33 rpm which the Clearaudio motor did not like. It got rough and loud.