[pix4work]

Just wondering what turntables people consider as having a large chunk of high-end sound for the dollar, used. I have owned belt drive Connoisseur's, Merrill-modified AR's, and lately a CJ Walker 55/Mission 770 combo. I am looking for a significant step up but I don't have a lot of cash, hence the need for used. Does anyone know of a great TT, perhaps an older gem that punches way above it's price point? Needing to keep it under a thousand, realistically well under that price. Thanking all in advance.

pixguy

[Photon46]

As someone who made an analog journey over the last forty years going through AR, Sony, Pioneer, Empire, VPI, and Acoustic Signature turntables, I think you're expecting too much for less than a thousand dollars (unless an unreal deal falls in your lap.) You're not going to realistically get a "significant" upgrade over what you've had at your specified price point. Since the resurgence of interest in all things analog, prices have risen and it's a lot harder to find bargains. Probably someone will chime in and opine that you need to invest in some iteration of a Technics deck, but personally, I don't think they're in the league you're looking for. I'd advise saving a little longer, raising your price point to $1500-1600, and then you'll be able to realistically achieve your goal. Something like the VPI Scout 1.1 for sale on this site for $1585 is going give you what you want.

[roscoeiii]

If they are still available. There were a Townshemd Rock III and an Audimods arm for sale here in separate ads. That would be a killer combo. Love my Rock 7 and really liked it with my Audiomods

[Photon46]

If they are still available. There were a Townshemd Rock III and an Audimods arm for sale here in separate ads. That would be a killer combo. Love my Rock 7 and really liked it with my Audiomods

Agreed, I also have an Audiomods arm & it is a fantastic value for the money.

[Ericus Rex]

I think you can find older used VPI Scouts for under $1k.  I can't say that that would be a big improvement over what you have.  You also can find Oracle Delphis for under $1K.  Those are great sounding tables.

[wushuliu]

Hm, not a table expert like others but I think using that 1k to upgrade the tonearm would be the best bet since tonearms have evolved more than the bodies (in the under 2k market). An Audiomods arm ($500 for kit version) would surely be a siginificant jump up if the rave reviews are true. Or get a Rega arm, etc. Otherwise keep the table.

[roscoeiii]

Hm, not a table expert like others but I think using that 1k to upgrade the tonearm would be the best bet since tonearms have evolved more than the bodies (in the under 2k market). An Audiomods arm ($500 for kit version) would surely be a siginificant jump up if the rave reviews are true. Or get a Rega arm, etc. Otherwise keep the table.

Though a Townshend table might be an exception to this, due to the not inconsiderable contribution of the trough, which really sets it apart.

[wushuliu]

Though a Townshend table might be an exception to this, due to the not inconsiderable contribution of the trough, which really sets it apart.

But I'm guessing that table plus a new arm would exceed the 1k. I meant if one had to choose within the budget limitation.

[roscoeiii]

There is a Rock III table and an Audiomods arm separately for sale on AC last I checked, together they add up to $1k.

[wushuliu]

There is a Rock III table and an Audiomods arm separately for sale on AC last I checked, together they add up to $1k.

Got it. Then yeah, that combo could do it!

[sunnydaze]

Listen to Roscoe.  I've had my Rock 3 (with several different arms) for almost 20 years.  I've brought analog rigs in here at multiples the cost that can't beat it.  Rather than be repetitive, see the table FS and comments here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=116848.0

Combined with the arms I mentioned and set up right, I don't believe the candidates mentioned here, or much else for that matter, will beat it for $1000 and even higher.

[Photon46]

One thing I forgot to mention is that with at least some turntables (the VPI Scout in particular,) what the turntable sits on is a very important contributor to its ultimate potential. My Scout was very audibly upgraded when I added a Mapleshade type thick plinth and footers. In the transition to the VPI Scout, I also had an Empire 598III that had been modded with threaded inserts so I could install Black Diamond Racing carbon fiber feet. That modded Empire sounded almost as good as the stock Scout sitting on the mdf shelf of my Billy Bags rack. When I added the Mappleshade platform, the VPI was quite a bit ahead of the Empire. So, there may be more potential in the table you have now, depending on how it is sited and how sensitive it is to footer/platform enhancements.

[roscoeiii]

Another candidate for a good deal under $1000, if the cold solder issue is fixable (not techie, don't know):

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=121489.msg1279116;topicseen#new

Good tables, with an upgrade path as money allows. I think that the Rock III-Audiomods combo would be better, but that is a good deal less expensive.

[Ericus Rex]

Another candidate for a good deal under $1000, if the cold solder issue is fixable (not techie, don't know):

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=121489.msg1279116;topicseen#new

Good tables, with an upgrade path as money allows. I think that the Rock III-Audiomods combo would be better, but that is a good deal less expensive.

Anyone know why that thread is locked?

[MaxCast]

Can't see a reason why so I unlocked it.  Letitroll has a bunch of stuff for sale at good prices, make him an offer.