[kgcdc]

Hi,

I'm in the market for a new turntable and have narrowed it down to 2 very diff tables:

1. Steve Dobbins Garrard 301 with a 12" String Theory Woody arm and Zu Denon cart
2. Merrill Scillia MS2 table with Hadcock 228 arm and Dynavector XX2 MkII cart

I have a Herron VTPH1 phono pre. Music tastes are all over the place; we listen to everything.

Which would you buy and why?

I can't really audition either one; I've heard a Garrard 301 (but not Dobbins) before and some good AR tables, too. I'm generally familiar with each type, etc.

Cheers,
Kendall Clark

[Stercom]

I've owned a number of Garrard 301 turntables including a Shindo 301. I currently have a rebuilt Lenco 75 in a Dobbins plinth with a Zu Denon cart. I can tell you the Dobbins/301/Zu setup you are considering would be excellent. Although I have not owned a Herron VTPH1 I have been told its excellent with the Zu. So, I guess you know what my vote is. 

[neobop]

This is a little strange. You obviously have a nice budget, how did you narrow your choices to these two? In both cases the arm/cart match-up is suspect IMO. My response is neither one until you hear (w/own ears) otherwise.

The Dynevector weighs 8.9g and compliance is 10. I don't know the eff mass of the shorter Hadcock, but I wouldn't guess this is a good match.

Maybe the ZU 103 works with the String Theory, but that's another unlikely match. The arm is supported by fishing line. It might be available in different eff mass, but I really think you need to research this further. I think either arm/table could be excellent, I question these combinations. Why don't you look for a arm/table sans cart, then find a match of your choice?

[kgcdc]

I think either arm/table could be excellent, I question these combinations. Why don't you look for a arm/table sans cart, then find a match of your choice?

Ok, fair enough. The point of my question was, which table-arm combo and why? After deciding that, I can find a good cart.

Cheers,
Kendall

[orthobiz]

Garrard for purely emotional appeal. No facts, no science, no audition. I just think it is cooler.

Paul

[BaMorin]

The MS2 is a single piece subchassis without the ability to easily replace arms. This is due to the subchassis being machined to accept the arm as provided. The current arm on it now is "Linn" cutout I believe. changing to a different arm mounting style ( Rega, SME, etc) will require buying a new subchassis or you will have a large useless hole under the new arm.

[kgcdc]

The MS2 is a single piece subchassis without the ability to easily replace arms. This is due to the subchassis being machined to accept the arm as provided. The current arm on it now is "Linn" cutout I believe. changing to a different arm mounting style ( Rega, SME, etc) will require buying a new subchassis or you will have a large useless hole under the new arm.

Yes, this issue is the major functional disadvantage to the MS2. The one I'm looking at is setup for Hadcock, but I want to mount a String Theory Woody.

Cheers,
Kendall

[BaMorin]

Yes, this issue is the major functional disadvantage to the MS2. The one I'm looking at is setup for Hadcock, but I want to mount a String Theory Woody.

Cheers,
Kendall

You might consider an AR The turntable or ES-1 over the MS2. As it can be brought up to the level of the M/S table for less money. The armboards can be made to fit (most) any arm

[neobop]

Yes, this issue is the major functional disadvantage to the MS2. The one I'm looking at is setup for Hadcock, but I want to mount a String Theory Woody.
Cheers,
Kendall

If you've decided on a String Theory, why not the 301?

[kgcdc]

If you've decided on a String Theory, why not the 301?

The Woody can be mounted to the MS2, it's just more work.

At any rate, the MS2 was sold earlier today, so the 301 it is!

[orthobiz]

Pics!!!

Paul