[orthobiz]

I am in jersey so would be great if there is a local seller.

Sunil

VPI is located IN New Jersey...

Paul

[poseidonsvoice]

At the sub $2k point, I've had luck with Pro-Ject. VPI is a big step up and that metal platter sounds really good -- I'm hoping to get a Traveler at some point, as I was very impressed with the sound of table in a direct comparison with a more expensive VPI table. Up from there, I've been impressed with the Funk Vector and Townshend Rock (may be able to find it used?).

And given that the Delos sat on a $1,300 turntable/tonearm combo while the Kleos sat on a $10,000 turntable/tonearm combo, well, that tells me something. It tells me that it’s time to go get me a Traveler.

 

Great!

Anand.

[neobop]

Saisunil,
Very weird used market out there lately.  Lots of way overpriced tables - like a minefield. I did see an old Well Tempered for $600, but it was pick up only in Calif LOL. BTW, the Signet is a decent MM with a readily replaceable stylus. 
I found something better though.  It's on ebay and in New Jersey of all places.  Must be some sort of cosmic thing as these aren't all that common.  The auction ends this weekend and I'm reluctant to post a link.  The price will probably shoot up.  I'll send you a PM. IMO there is no $2K new table that will give it a run for the money.
neo 

[sunnydaze]

They are rare, but watch for a used Kuzma Stabi and Stogi "s" combo.  Sold mine for $1450, sorry I did.  Got a local buddy who bought same thing used for $1100.  Killer deal!   Over weekend helped him install a cartridge.  Sounds even better than I remember it!

I've listened to most of the recs in this thread.  Sorry, but the Kuzma "s" smokes 'em all.  Perrenial Absolute Sound recommendation.

Here's my old ad so you can see how it looks:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=71377.msg668081#msg668081

Good luck in your search!

[saisunil]

Seems like I will be going VPI route ...
Thanks all for your suggestions.

[doug s.]

why pay more?   

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=109378.msg1143496#msg1143496
scroll down the thread, shadowlight ended up getting one...

and the initial deck i posted is still f/s...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121015646269

doug s.

[saisunil]

I see so many good directions or possibilities - new / old - vintage / modern ... I picked one.
And I do appreciate everyone's comments - it helped me make my decision.

So thank you

[jimdgoulding]

I'm sure, you're welcome.  So, gonna share?

[doug s.]

seems, from his prior comment, that he got a vpi?

doug s.

[Berndt]

why pay more?   

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=109378.msg1143496#msg1143496
scroll down the thread, shadowlight ended up getting one...

and the initial deck i posted is still f/s...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121015646269

doug s.

Why not pay more? I think people really like buying new vpi's.
Even hardcore diyers...

[jjc1]

   Sunil, Audio Connection in Verona is a VPI dealer. Ask for Nick. He,s the TT expert.

[Wayner]

And while Doug's favorite TT might be perfect for him, it's not for many others. Looking for a new table doesn't mean a major fix-r'-upper for lots of people, and proclaiming that the 208 is better then any other Empire is just showing ignorance.

Wayner

[orthobiz]

All of those Empire tables are just eye candy to me. I am attracted to them big time. If I didn't already have 3 project (NOT "Project") tables, I'd consider one of any series!

Now that I think of it, I never saw one in person.

Paul

[doug s.]

And while Doug's favorite TT might be perfect for him, it's not for many others. Looking for a new table doesn't mean a major fix-r'-upper for lots of people, and proclaiming that the 208 is better then any other Empire is just showing ignorance.

Wayner

someone proclaiming i said the unsuspended empire is better than any others when i have never said so, is just showing ignorance.   

i would recommend any empire; i think they all are fine decks that play way above their price point.  and, whichever empire one might prefer, it is the buyer's choice as to whether or not they want one that is plug-n-play, or a fixer upper.  i recently bought a beautiful 398 (which is the 208 w/a 980 arm) that was plug-n-play, including new motor grommets and a wery decent grado green cartridge mounded.  it set me back $275.  it even came w/the static-suppressing grounded "dust-bug".      my daughter bought it and gave it to her boyfriend for his b-day.   


there are *potential* adwantages the unsuspended empires have over the suspended ones, tho - one is they have better platters, so if your mounting situation is such that you don't need a suspended sub-chassis, it might be a better choice.  and, the early unsuspended empires are easier to upgrade the wood plinths, to make for a much more solid deck isolation.  (i am not sure i have ever even seen a suspended empire w/a custom plinth, but i guess it would be theoretically possible to do...)  another is ease of mounting a better non-empire arm.  a bit of work is needed to mount a different arm to a 498, 598 or 698.  and if you want anything longer than a typical 9" arm, i am not sure it can be mounted at all...  mounting an upgraded arm on an empire will be a significant improvement, imo.  if someone wants to argue these points, their ignorance will be showing.   

regarding which is the best empire, some folks have said the 498 is the best, as it has the suspended sub-chassis of the later 598's & 698's, and the better single-piece platter of the earlier unsuspended empires.  i have one of these, w/a custom tonearm mount, to accept an origin-live rega arm, but i won't be able to compare it to my oracle, until i move next year; there simply isn't enough room to set up two turntables in my present studio apartment...

doug s.

[orthobiz]

there simply isn't enough room to set up two turntables in my present studio apartment...

doug s.

No room with all those tunas, eh, Doug??

Paul

[doug s.]

No room with all those tunas, eh, Doug??

Paul

  good one!   

i only have room for one or two tuna in the system at any one time, depending on size/tuna.  i have the 498 around, but no room to set it up (yes, i have the wood/glass dustcover)...






doug s.