[Ericus Rex]

Well, after 14 years of the Oracle sound, I am considering a change.  I'm thinking of a high mass, non suspended table for that punch, rhythm and speed stability.  I am familiar with Acoustic Solid and Acoustic Signature high mass tables.  What others should I consider?  Under $2,500, new or used without arm.

Thx!

[Mister Pig]

If you get lucky you may be able to find an early Teres table for that price. Something like the Teres 225, maybe with the shot upgraded platter.

From time to time a Scheu Premier may come available for under 2K.

I just bought a new high mass non suspended table, but couldn't do it for under $2.5K Bought the Galibier Audio Serac. Very nice table with intelligent cost saving design choices made to get it to its price point. Awesome bearing, platter, and motor.

Regards
Mister Pig

 

[Scottdazzle]

If you're very, very lucky you may find a used VPI Classic.   

[TheChairGuy]

If you're very, very lucky you may find a used VPI Classic.   

Seriously, helluva' deck for USD$2800 new and less used.

Put an outer ring from VPI or TT Weights on it and you'll be under $2500 if u go used route.

The move to a 10"+ long arm alone raises the sonics due to inherently better tracking over any 9" arm.  The Classic has a 10.5" arm....mo' betta'   

This from a guy that is still a direct drive fan....but I sense nothing but solid speed stability from the VPI even on sustained piano notes (where I hear belt-related issues with many decks).  It only gives up the slightest bit of speed wavering next to my JVC DD.  But has a certain unbridled ease to playback over the JVC DD....maybe hearing the slightest tug of the servo restraining playback in an effort to have perfect speed stability.

The Classic gets it really right at a really right price. VPI SDS could always be added later for greater DD-like speed control.

John

[neobop]

Well, after 14 years of the Oracle sound, I am considering a change.  I'm thinking of a high mass, non suspended table for that punch, rhythm and speed stability.  I am familiar with Acoustic Solid and Acoustic Signature high mass tables.  What others should I consider?  Under $2,500, new or used without arm.

Thx!

By the way you word that, punch rhythm and speed stability, are you really looking for an idler or DD? Seems like that description is usually applied to those drive types, with or without high mass plinth. Of course you could always build a custom plinth for many of them and still stay within budget. Sometimes a used table might come with an arm you might not want. But you could always sell the arm and apply the money toward what you do want. Just taking a quick look at what's on Agon now:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1303323975&/Garrard-401

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1303263161&/Lenco--L75-In-SlatePlinth

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1302842742&/Micro-Seiki-DDX-1000--with-ax-1

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1302042327&/Technics-SP10-Mk2

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1301007848&/Garrard-301-Mark-Ii-SME-3009-Tonearm

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1300847035&/Technics-SP-15

There are lots of possibilities in used decks. I think a lot of it depends on how much you're willing to do or build. There are some decks you could buy relatively cheap and scrap the plinth or even the drive. But that might take some building and design. Once you get an idea of what you really want, it might just take some patience before it shows up somewhere.
neo

[Ericus Rex]

Thanks everybody!

I guess I should have stated that I'm not really looking for vintage.  My Oracles are vintage and I worry about parts availability with many other tables.  At least Oracle is still in business.  So I guess I'd say no older than 10 years, preferably only 5 years or newer.

DD is perfectly fine.  I did own a Micro DDX-1000, like the link you sent Neobop, and it was a very good setup for not alotta dough.  I just didn't experience the pitfalls of DD with that table that many poo-poo.  And I guess Idler would be out since I want something newer.

Thinking of the VPI Classic.  Teres is an interesting recommendation.  Did you see that kit for sale here on AC?  I don't think a DIY table is up my alley but very interesting nonetheless.

Thanks and keep em coming!

[chosenhandle]

if you can find a Kuzma Stabi, take a look. It retails in the low 3K area and sells used for under 2k. Great table. Not too common in the used market though.

[Ericus Rex]

I HAVE MADE A DECISION AND PLACED AN ORDER!!!!!!!

I was floundering on what to do for the longest time and then I saw the Audiogon ad for this:



Musical Life Ol Symphony Mk. III

The maker is clearing these out at nearly 1/4 their original price.  There's a stellar Positive Feedback review on the web.  I decided to go with high mass as I've found I'm particularly sensitive to pitch warble.  This baby is 120 lbs of glorious mass and the 50 lb platter ain't gonna deviate the slightest...that is, after it gets up to speed which should take about 10 minutes   

I'll keep you mugs informed once it arrives.

[DaveyW]

after it gets up to speed which should take about 10 minutes 

And how many days before it comes to a standstill 

Looks stunning 
Looking forward to hearing your first report.
Cheers
Dave

[Ericus Rex]

The monolith 'table is now home!  I should have her up and running in the next couple of days.  I'll take some pics as I get it setup.

[95Dyna]

VPI Classic is unbeatable at this price point.  With the 10.5i SE tonearm can be bought brand new from Galen Carol Audio for $2,500.00  He bought a bunch last year before the price went to $2.750.00 and according to this page on his website still has some available.  The Classic is 65 llbs. with platter and serves as its own isolation device.  According to Harry Weisfeld, "just put it somewhere where it won't sway in the wind on a 2" maple shelf and you'll have no resonnance".  I love mine with the Benz Micro Wood SL.


http://www.gcaudio.com/products/steals.html