[jlafrenz]

It has been a while since I have been in the turntable market, but I think I may be looking to upgrade in the near future. I really don't know what I want and haven't done any research to see what is on the market. This is my first step of researching. Looking for everyone's suggestions on some tables and cartridges. My record collection consists mostly of classic rock, rock, acoustic and folk. My budget is around the $1500 dollar mark, but could be expand to upwards of $2K. I really don't want to go over that.

What do you guys suggest? What other info can I provide to aid in your recommendations?

[simoon]

There are quite a few good TT in that range these days.

The Clearaudio Concept is between $1400 and $2000. Depending what cartridge if any, you get with it. I was able to hear one of these at a friend's house with the MC cartridge, and it was really hard to pick out anything it did wrong.

The Project Perespex is another one worth checking out. And the VPI Scout falls in your range also.

[cheap-Jack]

Hi.

.... I think I may be looking to upgrade in the near future..... My record collection consists mostly of classic rock, rock, acoustic and folk.

A silly question: You still keep yr old TT? Or it already broke down & needed to be replaced?

c-J

[jarcher]

Gonna sound like a broken record - har har - but the VPI Traveler & the previously mentioned clearaudio concept are the tables to beat at that price point.  Both have strong reviews from Stereophile etc. 

I have a Traveler.  Pair it w/ a Grado Gold if you want the warm sound, w/ a Ortofon 2M Blue better for R&R IMO.  Combination will get you in just around $1500 w/ a tiny discount from a dealer.

Think that's better than paying the $500 extra for the VPI Scout - and that money is better spend on a decent phono stage if you've got $2K total - e.g. a soundsmith mmp3 or mmp4 - or if you want to go tube, maybe a Jolida JD9.

And don't forget ICs - if you don't already have, w/ my traveler I used Wireworld Oasis 6 at about $80 for the pair.  Very neutral + plenty of detail and depth / width.

I actually found that the Traveler sounded much better w/ an upgraded power cord. $50 or so for a Wireworld Stratus 5 - or something else.

Good luck!

[Ericus Rex]

Think that's better than paying the $500 extra for the VPI Scout - and that money is better spend on a decent phono stage if you've got $2K total - e.g. a soundsmith mmp3 or mmp4 - or if you want to go tube, maybe a Jolida JD9.

Is the traveler arm that comparable to the scout arm?  It looks quite flimsy in the pics.

[jlafrenz]

I just recently heard about the Traveler and it does peak my interest. From the little I have read, the Clearaudio Concept is the competitor just as you guys have mentioned. I have seen where a couple of people are using the Dynavector and Denon carts with the VPI and are pleased.

I take it that these two options are better than the Pro-Ject offerings at this price point?

My current table isn't broken and still is a nice table. Just wanting something different and thought I would step it up a bit.

I already have the Jolida JD9 in my system and planed on keeping it.

[jarcher]

Is the traveler arm that comparable to the scout arm?  It looks quite flimsy in the pics.

Probably not - the Scout has a $1K arm (if bought separately). In a review I put here on AC one of my complaints was that the arm was too lose w/ in the gimbals from the factory (actually popped out once or twice in moving it around).  Tightening up the mini-screws a bit assured that it stayed in place.

Is that JMW-9 worth an extra $500 on the Scout vs buying a Traveler?  Not to me.  Both tables have removable arms though if that became a future concern.

[jarcher]

I take it that these two options are better than the Pro-Ject offerings at this price point?

I already have the Jolida JD9 in my system and planed on keeping it.

In my opinion - yes.  The Pro-ject Xpression & Xperience 2 seem to be somewhat gussied up Carbons.  The Carbon I think is awesome at $400 - really the best table they make for the money.

Congrats on the Jolida - that should save you some $ right there.

Just out of curiosity, what table / arm / cartridge are you using at the moment, and what do you like / not like / want more / less of?

[Elizabeth]

First are you wanting new? or used.
Great table used would be Rega P5. Rega is introducing new TTs and some P5's should be showing up for sale.
Also used the various VPI offerings.

[jlafrenz]

In my opinion - yes.  The Pro-ject Xpression & Xperience 2 seem to be somewhat gussied up Carbons.  The Carbon I think is awesome at $400 - really the best table they make for the money.

Congrats on the Jolida - that should save you some $ right there.

Just out of curiosity, what table / arm / cartridge are you using at the moment, and what do you like / not like / want more / less of?

Right now I have the Music Hall 5.1 with the Goldring 1012 cart. I am looking for something that is a bit smoother on the top end and a little more in the mid range. It seems just a bit lacking to me. I don't find myself listening to my vinyl as much any more as it doesn't give me as intimate of sound as I am looking for. I would really like to rediscover my vinyl collection and start listening to it more.

[jlafrenz]

First are you wanting new? or used.
Great table used would be Rega P5. Rega is introducing new TTs and some P5's should be showing up for sale.
Also used the various VPI offerings.

I should have posted that I am looking for a new table.

[jarcher]

Hmm - have your tried a different cartridge?  Seems from what you described that a Grado Gold might be more to your taste - smooth top end and awesome midrange.

[jlafrenz]

Someone just suggested the Marantz TT15S1 as an option. Any thoughts?

[Ericus Rex]

Someone just suggested the Marantz TT15S1 as an option. Any thoughts?

I took one home for a short trial.  Didn't like it.  It felt too much like a flimsy toy.  I think the Concept or Traveler would be much better for just a little more dough.  Speed wasn't stable enough for me either.

[jlafrenz]

I took one home for a short trial.  Didn't like it.  It felt too much like a flimsy toy.  I think the Concept or Traveler would be much better for just a little more dough.  Speed wasn't stable enough for me either.

I was told that the Marantz table was actually made by Clearaudio and was based upon a more expensive model than the Concept. Is this not correct or is there more to the story?

[Ericus Rex]

I was told that the Marantz table was actually made by Clearaudio and was based upon a more expensive model than the Concept. Is this not correct or is there more to the story?

It's based on the Emotion by Clearaudio.  But I don't think that's a more expensive table.

[Wasatch]

The Rega's, VPI, Well Tempered, Brinkman, Nottingham, Clearaudio are some very fine tables to look into.

[toocool4]

I think in your price range, you should try Acoustic Solid, Solid 111 in wood or acrylic http://www.acoustic-solid.com/english/solid_111_alu_poliert.html

[Ericus Rex]

I think in your price range, you should try Acoustic Solid, Solid 111 in wood or acrylic http://www.acoustic-solid.com/english/solid_111_alu_poliert.html

I thought I recognized the clamp in your avatar.  Acoustic Solid makes great tt's, that's for sure.

[toocool4]

I thought I recognized the clamp in your avatar.  Acoustic Solid makes great tt's, that's for sure.

Yes that is my Acoustic Solid One to One with the Dynavector 507MK II Arm