[charles28722]

I've got to have vinyl in my life.  I'm gonna buy used, starting with the table.  I'll get to the phono stage later.  I'm considering the following tables and need experienced opinions.  Considering a budget of <$1,500 (used, not necessarily including cartridge) what do ya'll think:

1)  Music Hall MMF 9
2)  Well Tempered Classic V
3)  VPI HW 19 MK iii / iv
4)  VPI Scout
5)  Nottingham Spacedek

I'm looking for the best overall bang for the buck.  These are not the only TT's that I would consider and you may have other recommendations.  I'm trying to avoid an entry-level purchase only to wish for more later.  The rest of my system is quite resolving and will do justice to whatever TT I buy. I appreciate any feedback and advice.

[toobluvr]

Given those choices, I'd probably go for the Spacedeck or the WT myself, with maybe a heavier lean to the WT.  But that's my tastes and preferences, yours may be different.  Hard to rec anything when they are unknown.

Too bad you weren't looking 6 months ago when I sold my Kuzma Stogi "S" / Stabi "S" setup for $1400.   That was real schweet and would have kept you happy for awhile.     

 


Have fun in your search!

[lazydays]

buy the Marantz or Clearaudio tables as a complete setup. All you need to do is level them and set the tracking force, and then listen to music! The Marantz comes with an $800 cartridge, and the Clearaudio comes with one as well
take the path of least resistence
gary

[SteveFord]

I recently went with Well Tempered and that one is a keeper. 

[jimdgoulding]

The Well Tempered and the VPI HM 19's are time tested.  And old Steve has a pretty nice system there.  I have a friend with a Spacedeck.  Hard to imagine her system being better.

[Ericus Rex]

I tried out the Marantz/Clearaudio once.  Having experience it I'd say your five listed are in a much higher league altogether.  Don't forget Oracles and Micro Seikis!

[toobluvr]

Having experience it (Marantz/Clearaudio) I'd say your five listed are in a much higher league altogether.

I was gonna say the same thing (just based on conversations, research and audio instinct) but since I had no direct experience with the Marantz / Clearaudio I figured it wouldn't be fair.

What commonly happens on these boards is that guys simply recommend what they own, even if they have zilch experience or knowledge of the other candidates.  Since they are simply beating the drum of their own ownership and not really comparing and contrasting, their recs must be taken in that context and with very large grains of salt.  You see it all the time.

[lazydays]

I tried out the Marantz/Clearaudio once.  Having experience it I'd say your five listed are in a much higher league altogether.  Don't forget Oracles and Micro Seikis!

I took into fact that the poster's budgit was $1500, and I actually went beyond that when you think about buying a phono stage as well. The VPI would end up being over double the money than the two I posted, but you won't get double your money in value. With that in mind you also get a good cartridge with the Marantz and Clearaudio turntables, and that's enough alone to go out and buy a good used Wright phono stage.
gary

[lazydays]

I was gonna say the same thing (just based on conversations, research and audio instinct) but since I had no direct experience with the Marantz / Clearaudio I figured it wouldn't be fair.

What commonly happens on these boards is that guys simply recommend what they own, even if they have zilch experience or knowledge of the other candidates.  Since they are simply beating the drum of their own ownership and not really comparing and contrasting, their recs must be taken in that context and with very large grains of salt.  You see it all the time.

actually I don't use either of the two tables I recommended. I use an Acoustic Signature, and a very refined Opera. The VPI is second tier compaired to the Final Tool
gary

[toobluvr]

actually I don't use either of the two tables I recommended. I use an Acoustic Signature, and a very refined Opera. The VPI is second tier compaired to the Final Tool
gary

Sorry Gary.  I just assumed and it was wrong of me.

Nice tables, BTW!   

[ricmon]

As a Pro-Ject 9.1 owner I have to through my hat in the ring.  It's in your price range and got a product of the year award.  I like mine a lot.

Ric

[2002ss335]

actually I don't use either of the two tables I recommended. I use an Acoustic Signature, and a very refined Opera. The VPI is second tier compaired to the Final Tool
gary

I checked out many tables in this price range before getting an Acoustic Signature Samba. The build quality and power supply set it apart from the rest.

I bought a Final Tool MKII a couple of months ago and am very happy with it.

If the op wants to know more about the Samba feel free to contact me.

Regards,
Todd

[Gopher]

Well Tempered FTW!

Had an old (square motor) Classic for a few months and like it so much I jumped on a Reference.  Its a very versatile, quite, stable turntable.  Its sound is a little laid back, but never boring.  Go for that!

[Ericus Rex]

Did you see this one for sale?

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80038.0

[lazydays]

I checked out many tables in this price range before getting an Acoustic Signature Samba. The build quality and power supply set it apart from the rest.

I bought a Final Tool MKII a couple of months ago and am very happy with it.

If the op wants to know more about the Samba feel free to contact me.

Regards,
Todd

does the Mark II use an O ring for the drive belt or still use thread? I don't like any table that uses an O ring for a drive belt
gary

[2002ss335]

does the Mark II use an O ring for the drive belt or still use thread? I don't like any table that uses an O ring for a drive belt
gary

For some reason a few years ago AS went with the O ring on all of their models. My Samba is thread and I felt it was a plus when I bought it.

The O ring was not reason enough to not buy the MK II, but after buying a new belt for mucho $ I miss being able to use thread and try different types.

I do not know if it is possable to use thread on the new pulley and I might try it someday.

Regards,
Todd

[lazydays]

For some reason a few years ago AS went with the O ring on all of their models. My Samba is thread and I felt it was a plus when I bought it.

The O ring was not reason enough to not buy the MK II, but after buying a new belt for mucho $ I miss being able to use thread and try different types.

I do not know if it is possable to use thread on the new pulley and I might try it someday.

Regards,
Todd

I'd just switch over to a string drive. As long as the thread goes thru the small pulley OK you'll be just fine. Best thread at the moment is either a silk/polyester blend or a dacron. If you decide to stay with the O ring belt then buy your belts from a good hydraulics supply company. Tell them you want a hard belt in the 120 duro range. You will be able to buy them for about a dollar a piece. Then wip[e them down with a Scotchbrite pad to smooth them up.. Better yet but an O ring kit and make your own (easy)
gary