[geowak]

Since there is so much accumulated experience here with turntable ownership, which company designs and makes the best sounding turntables AND WHY? Please comment on the design and advantage it lends to the sound of the record spinner. My dealer sells Rega, Well Tempered and Shindo Garrard 301 at the top end. Idler and belt driven models.

[Photon46]

Let's be honest, there's no resolving the question of what's best in any category that entails subjective evaluations. What parameters are we going to use to make the decision? Sonic preferences only? Does the size and long term viability of the company matter? Availability of repair parts and long term reliability of the product? Do ideas of perceived value enter into the matter?  Ease of setup and maintenance a factor? These questions and the different weight we each would give them in the final equation make it impossible to definitively answer your question.

All that said, I've owned an Empire 598III, VPI Scout (the original,) and my current table, an Acoustic Signature Final Tool. I think the VPI was the best value for money, if that matters. It's sonic signature pleased me, it did most things competently well, the company that made it has been around a long time and will probably be one of the last standing turntable manufacturers, it was reliable, and looked good on the shelf.

I greatly prefer my Acoustic Signature because it is weightier in the bass, more extended in the highs, has rock solid speed, incredible build quality, and looks even better to my eye than the VPI. It costs too much (as do all German imports,) there have been reports of some reliability problems with the electronic speed control current regeneration unit, and the owner can be a seemingly unreliable and difficult to reach individual.  But, I still prefer it to a VPI.

[RDavidson]

Let's be honest, there's no resolving the question of what's best in any category that entails subjective evaluations. What parameters are we going to use to make the decision? Sonic preferences only? Does the size and long term viability of the company matter? Availability of repair parts and long term reliability of the product? Do ideas of perceived value enter into the matter?  Ease of setup and maintenance a factor? These questions and the different weight we each would give them in the final equation make it impossible to definitively answer your question.

That's why in the subject line he says "In your experience." I don't believe he's trying to start a ranking system of all turntables and manufacturers and to account for all variables. He just wants subjective info, as you have provided.

[WireNut]

I've never heard of Acoustic Signature before. They have some nice looking/expensive looking tables 

[galyons]

There are many TT manufacturers because the consumers have different tastes, expectations, priorities and wallets.  I am primarily a VPI user, although I have several vintage TT's (Empire 208, Thorens TD124, Thorens TD150, RekoKut Rondine 2 and a Gates Transcription, (in restoration)). I have heard a couple of DIY TT that are pretty amazing as well.

Honestly they all sound very nice when properly mated to complementary electronics.  But none of them are really close to my VPI TNT.  The TNT has them beat in frequency response, imaging, background noise, every subjective parameter.  But then, again, the cartridge, SDS, etc. all play roles in the reproduction quality.  The VPI gets cartridges that I would not consider using on the other tables.  Vinyl reproduction is a chain, not an individual component.  Weak link and all that....

I agree, also, that VPI has always been the stalwart company for vinyl.  But there are other companies that produce equally fine products, just not to the depth of product line that VPI offers.

Cheers,
Geary

[vinyl_guy]

This is as much about personal preference as anything. Over the last 20 years I've owned a B & O Beogram, a Project Perspective and my current table, a SME 20/2. I bought the SME after listening to several in that price range with the intention of it being the last TT I would own. The build quality is exceptional, the sound is fabulous, it does everything you want a TT to do exceptionally well and it is incredibly easy to set up. Sound and ease of set up were huge factors in why I chose the SME.

Laura

[neobop]

Maybe Saskia is best?

http://stereodesk.com/collections/phono/products/saskia-reference-ii-turntable

neo

[ptmconsulting]

I think this might be answerable if we add "best at certain price points", for example

<$500 (maybe Music Hall or Project)
$501 - $1000 (maybe Rega)
$1001 - $2500 (maybe VPI or Basis or Oracle)
$2501 - $5000 (maybe VPI or Clearaudio or Kuzma)
$5000 - $10000 (lots f possibilities)
>$10000 (maybe SME or Walker or Clearaudio or Spotheim or ...)

[Photon46]

I think this might be answerable if we add "best at certain price points", for example

<$500 (maybe Music Hall or Project)
$501 - $1000 (maybe Rega)
$1001 - $2500 (maybe VPI or Basis or Oracle)
$2501 - $5000 (maybe VPI or Clearaudio or Kuzma)
$5000 - $10000 (lots f possibilities)
>$10000 (maybe SME or Walker or Clearaudio or Spotheim or ...)

Good summary, I'd agree with your choices.

[WireNut]

Agreed. Since I only have $52900.00 I can't do the Saskia

[MtnHam]

For this discussion to have any value, it is absolutely necessary to have price point categories. The absolute best are usually $100,000+. I seriously doubt there are any $1,000 tables that come anywhere close.

[Wayner]

Is used stuff part of the discussion? If so, then I vote for Technics, Sony, Empire and AR.

Wayner

[bonsai]

1,200.00 or so...  VPI Traveller

[LM]

Is used stuff part of the discussion? If so, then I vote for Technics, Sony, Empire and AR.

It's a fair question Wayner but the OP needs to let us know.  I read 'makes' as in a current manufacturer.  If so, my personal experience counts little as my AR and Technics would be ruled out.

[MtnHam]

SME makes great tables and arms at several pricepoints. My SME 20/2 with a V arm was purchased used for $7500, an excellent value that competes well with much more expensive gear. Another excellent line of tables is made by SOTA. My SOTA Star Saphire with an SME iV.Vi was purchased used in 1989 for $2500. Still in use.

[WireNut]

Holy moly, my sister thought my loudspeakers where big   

[geowak]

Is used stuff part of the discussion? If so, then I vote for Technics, Sony, Empire and AR.

Wayner

Yes used would be fine. Also, I understand some points made here. Kinda trying to get a feel of what some of you analog guys/gals think about the brands and companies you've tried. Yes my price point is under $6K, I would even consider a rebuilt Garrard 301 if it was suggested. I had a Thorens TD320 a long time ago, but it did not have a good tonearm or cartridge.

BTW some of you have some nice systems, and BIG too!

[bside123]

The "best" turntable...!?

I had one of these, GE Wildcat Portable,  for a couple of years in the 60s... I got so much enjoyment out of this record player that it's hard to describe. I heard The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper" on it for the first time in September of 1967... a birthday present from a friend. Wish I still had it. Now, I've got "audiophile turntables" that probably are still not the "best", but boy are they expensive!

[geowak]

  Now that's funny. Even comes with speakers..

[SET Man]

Hey!

    With budget at $6K, you have lots of options to choose from... you lucky dog 

    If you are looking for full package with arm and cartridge than is one that come mind is the the Townshend Rock 7. I've personally heard this at Wes Bender Studio NYC...

http://www.wesbenderstudionyc.com/townshend-audio-turntables/

   Although, it was paired with very expensive arm while I was there, but I can imagine it with a more affordable arm and and cartridge for total of $6K and still sound great.

   As for myself I can't afford that right now. So, if you aske me which company make the best turntable? I have to say those companies who make turntables that I can afford to buy and put it in my own system. 

Take care,
Buddy