Hi. I'd like to ask you for recommendations for turntables. Driving Harbeth Super HL5 with Leben CS600, and I am going to purchase a Leben phono stage that is coming out in March. I already have a cartridge I'll be using: Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood MM (will go LOMC down the line, when I'm more familiar with my equipment.)
I was looking at perhaps Kuzma Stabi S or Nottingham turntables, and would appreciate your recommendations on TTs that might be optimal for my system. I'd love to do a Garrard 301, but restoration is something that is way over my head right now...
Anyway, thank you!
that budgit is really tighter than one might think. Problem is that in that price range most wont come with an arm. But here's a handfull of must sees:
* A Mitchell Orb is a good start, or even a Gyro. These guys don't build junk
* if you can find a nice used Acoustic Signature Final Tool (setup for a Rega arm) your looking at something that'll last a couple lifetimes, and they are really a nice sounding table. (I own one as well as two others) It's a table you setup and forget.
* a VPI Scout (I like the Final Tool much better) but still a fine unit
* The new Marantz built by Clearaudio (about $1500 ready to go)
* a good used Basis
* an Acoustic Solid (a final tool clone)
* an Opera Consance with a Rega arm (or a Origin). I have one of these playing right now. It's a well made turntable, but The Final Tool is better
* a good Sota (sometimes can be had with the vacume used).
if it were me I think I'd go with the Marantz and save the $1000 for LP's
what I'd avoid:
* Music Hall anything
* Linns
* Regas are nice but also can be a chore unless you buy one of the better ones
