Turntable advice

Good stuff, thanks.

 

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/05/technics-sl-1200gae-is-for-audiophiles-not-djs/

Am i the only one really excited about these? Direct drive, brushless motors. Its from technics and not a boutique manufacturer, so you'd definitely get bang for your buck (Economy of scale and all that)

 

At $4k and a limited production run the economy of scale claim is a bit of stretch.

 

Only for the limited edition (which uses magnesium instead of aluminium tonearms and have different footers). There is full production version launched after.

 

According to whats been published on the net the regular new 1200 is also 4K.

I think Technics kinda priced themselves out. IMO if this thing cost 2K they would sell 4x what they will at 4K. 1200 Mk5 were going for ~$900 new back 5 years ago. Fundamentally it's still a 1200 with dramatically upgraded parts.

 

I had a chance to check out the new 1200 at THE Show. The demo sucked unfortunately because Technics speakers aren't worth the time of day. I do forsee myself saving up for one of these decks eventually.

 

Anyone know what used VPI classic 1's go for? I have my eye on one, that looks like a decent deal, but before I figured I would ask all of you who troll deals. Memorial tonearm, no cart, decent condition.

Thanks!

 

Picked up my minty/excellent condition gen2 VPI Classic 1 with no cart, and all original packaging, tools, manual etc. for $1800 shipped. I saw a gen1 in slightly worse shape with used cartridge go for the same on eBay a while back.

Here's a link no to the differences between generations.

http://vpiindustries.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=35

Another link to differences in tone arms

http://vpiindustries.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4380

Happy hunting

 

Thanks! I had one on ebay (link) for $1600 + shipping, but got sniped at the last minute. I thought it was a pretty good deal and should have had a higher bid. Now that I know how good of a deal I will be kicking myself, but should be prepared next time around.

Awesome info on differences between different generations / arms etc. i will have to study up.

Thanks!

 

Slight thread jack but if you guys are looking for a Classic 1 I have a great package for you. I need to fund more analog gear and with the Kronos acting as my primary table I can't justify having a great table like the VPI sit around idle 99% of the time.

Mine is a 2014 Classic 1 with the mini SDS built in. Comes with periphery ring, hrx center weight (as well as original clamp), XLR output block (also original SE output block), and 2016 new production 3D arm as well as the original metal arm. Cosmetically pretty much perfect. Operationally perfect as well except for a bit of noise from the motor which is not audible in playback and does not affect speed stability. I've been meaning to fix it but that would require taking the motor out which is a pain in the ass. I mention it in the interest of full disclosure. Main bearing and motor have been lubed as per schedule.

Would like to get 3K USD + shipping (from Canada) for the entire package.

 

Wow, sweet deal.

PM'ed on the periphery ring if the set gets broken up to lower the price.

 

3K USD

 

Looking for a reco on a new phono pre. I currently have a Musical Fidelity V-LPSII with separate power supply. Currently, table is a Rega RP3 and cartridge is an AT33-EV. I most often listen with headphones (HD800) through a Ragnarok or Mainline.

What I'd like to improve: I'd like more volume, as much detail as I can get, and I'd ideally like my next phono pre to scale well for when I eventually move to a VPI Classic table. Future cart as of yet undetermined. I think my next big move sound-wise is going to be building a newer, better-er vinyl rig and the Rega/V-LPSII will get moved to a different room and be used mainly with speakers.

Ideal budget for the pre is under $1k, but I'd again just like to buy something that will scale well.

Thanks!

 

Not a lot of experience here, compared to others, but I have wanted to upgrade from my RSA Nighthawk for a couple of years. I'm not sure how far it will scale as you alluded to. Problem is the damn thing is so versatile. It's adjustable gain would solve your volume problem instantly. I really like that I can set a 47kohm load with high gain for my low output Grado cart and if my dynavector 10x5 sounds to bright at that setting on a particular recording I can knock it down to 1kohm with the flip of a switch. Also nice because it is under your price range and I keep flip-flopping on upgrade paths.

I have played around with some other stages and i don't find it lacking the under $1,000 category, but I suspect the next real upgrade from it would be int $2,000 range…Liberty Audio B2B-1, Manley Chinook, Rogue Audio something like that. I am curious about the Decware ZP3 or Hagerman Cornet 3, but then you give up all of the versatility without adding an additional unit.

 

@eastboundofnowhere What about the Nighthawk do you dislike (that is making you think of upgrading from it?) I've noticed that Marvey reviewed it very favorably but then quickly moved on from it, which doesn't surprise me because he seems to audition/test a ton of gear rather than hold on to most of it. I love the idea (the flexibility) of the Nighthawk and the added gain would be much welcome. Thank you for the insight!

 

The Nighthawk is one of the great phono stages and plays well against some of the greats. I wouldn't upgrade from it too quickly, I'd go to the best. Have you considered going upmarket a bit and getting an EAR 88pb or a Zesto Andros 1.2? I think either is worth saving up for and probably can be found for cheaper used.

 

@drfindley makes a good point. For example, I'm sticking with a denon cart that's affordable until I can jump to a kiseki or something rather than make a few mid grade jumps. It saves you some money at the end of the day and gets you to where you wanna go faster.

 

I think we are all saying the same thing. I was recommending it because of it's versatility. Now I haven't heard anything better, but my ability to listen to new gear I don't buy is near nonexistent. Call it upgraditis or just wanderlust but eventually I do want to try something higher end. Probably won't sell the Nighthawk regardless.

I will say that I have toyed around with several $200-$500 stages and prefer the Nighthawk to those….so what would something that cost twice as much as it sound like, diminishing returns considered?

 

Any opinions from fellow SBAFers on the Fluance RT81 yet? I don't really have places around me where I can buy vintage TTs and I'm not looking to spend more than $300. The Fluance looks really nice for the $249 price. I can switch between the built in phono or my own external. AT95E cartridge is a decent starter cartridge and I can always upgrade to something better later. Aluminum platter. Adjustable counterweight, anti-skating, auto-off. Solid wood body construction.

Any reason I should stay away and pick something else in that price range? (Like the U-Turn Orbit, Teac TN-300, LP120, etc) From what I can tell, the LP120 would present the biggest competition as the LP120 has extra features like pitch control.

Like I said, I don't really have the ability to buy used reliably, so I will have to buy new and would like to keep it around $300.

 

I love my RT81. I am using it with a Graham Slee Communicator 2 preamp. The AT95E cartridge is an awesome starter, and it is very easy to either upgrade the stylus or the entire cartridge. I used the buiilt in pre-amp for a few days and while it is more than acceptable, the Graham Slee is truly spectacular. In terms of the RT81 itself, it is built very solidly and is a steal for the price. It truly does not seem like an entry level turntable, but rather like something that was built in the 70s or 80s. Rotation speed is very consistent and I could not detect any wow or flutter. Everything works as advertised. I would highly recommend it.