Turntable advice

Marv posted something about U-turn Audio having really good value for cheap.

 

My friend has the U-Turn and likes it a lot. The only issue he's had is that the belt likes to slide off when stopping the motor, he compensates for this by lightly sliding his thumb under the belt while stopping to prevent it from sliding down.

I've heard his and it sounded fine, but keep in mind this was with stock everything and only using the built in preamp on his HT receiver. I'm sure with a little more care in the component selection, it could sound a lot better.

 

So I've been looking at getting a new turntable to replace my RP3. Thing is, the Aussie dollar sucks right now so audio gear is damn expensive here. A VPI Classic is over $5k so that's out of the question for now. I was looking at the Kuzma Stabi S/Stogi S for $3300 or VPI Scout Jr for $2500. Is the Scout Jr a good buy at that price?

 

@deniall83 , that Kuzma Stabi S/Stogi S is the way to go. The bearing on that turntable is a true star and the T- shaped plinth is rock solid stable. I've never heard a less than amazing sounding Kuzma tonearm either. One of the draws for a VPI in the domestic US market is the local USA support if something goes wrong. That just isn't there in international markets (though things barely ever go wrong with a VPI).

If it was a VPI Classic, I would have suggested to go with the VPI. But the Stabi S will be a better buy for you compared to the VPI Scout Jr.

EDIT: One more thing, the Stabi S is all brass. If you get a solid maple platform to put under it (3" or 4"), it will really propel the sound of that table to new heights. Make sure you do that....you will hear the difference.

 

I know it's apples and oranges but do you think a Kuzma Stabi S with $500~ cart and $1000~ phono stage would best a digital front end with something like a Gungnir Multibit or Yggdrasil running the show? I have a large digital music collection and only about 200 records. However, I have spent considerable time and money chasing down high quality pressings of my favourite albums and my collection includes a large amount of MFSL, Analogue Productions and Speakers Corner as well as lots of original pressings of albums from the 70's and 80's. I love vinyl but I constantly question whether it's worth it for me to continue along this path or invest in a high quality digital setup. The cost of new/used vinyl in Australia is insane and it's not uncommon to pay $50 for a new LP which is most likely digitally sourced anyway.

Would appreciate your thoughts.

 

If you've spent a lot of time sourcing well-mastered, high quality pressings, then you likely would appreciate the benefits of a nice analog rig. You could still have a nice digital rig too, maybe consider a Bifrost Multibit instead of a Gungnir Multibit or Yggdrasil. Just a thought.

 

Alright, here is what I have observed...A $1000 to $1500 analog rig can beat out a $80k digital front end. Let alone something like this Kuzma Stabi S table you are considering. Yes, even with a $500 cart and $500 phono section. There is a depth, naturalness, musicality, resolution that is inherent to vinyl playback and is completely devoid in digital at any level I have heard. And I have have owned, heard, experienced more digital than I care to admit. It is a lost case in its current state of affairs when compared to a very modest vinyl rig.

I suggest you get a digital playback setup that satisfies you (that is good enough), but concentrate on your analog setup. Much more gains to be had with music you know and love already. You already have well pressed/mastered LP's...to me, it is never about quantity. Even a little analog experienced completely and holistically is enough
Like having a full Snicker chocolate bar compared to a small nibble of Wild Ophelia.

Your Kuzma setup is by no means a mediocre setup. It is an EXCELLENT setup good enough for even the most jaded analog aficionado. Yes, there is better, but....there always is! Go forth with that Kuzma...you won't look back as you will be lost in your music truly.

 

Just like Guarav to get my curiousity piqued. I could chomp me down some Wild Ophelia RIGHT NOW!

And that Kuzma setup can be mighty tasty, too.

To be fair, there are certain people that can't stand the downside to vinyl (full disclosure: I love vinyl), there are ticks/pops, the cleaning, cueing, stylus tip maintenance, storage, costs, fungus is a lot of pain, or fun. People who value pitch accuracy may get their panties all in a bunch. But for something that sounds like real music, maybe only R2R could sound better, maybe. In terms of being a PITA R2R>Vinyl>CDs>Digital Files. Reverse that for sound satisfaction. Like Sigma Delta vs R2R dacs, there are vinyl sound camps (PRaT vs. air vs. detail) though I'm not sure how that's been narrowing. Dollar for Dollar equipment wise, Vinyl just gives more back. Now, pressing insanity is a whole other rabbit hole.

Welcome to the asylum.

 

My digital collection is a little too large for me (and I've purchased most if not all of it). Streaming service's collection is monstrous. I find that digging into an album or a band happens less and less when it gets lost in a huge sea of music. I love having the physical vinyl to browse and select. There's something about the physicality of it that helps me appreciate it and gives it more substance. That said, I don't know how to slow down my vinyl buying habits.

1000x this.

 

Remember what I said.... "Screwed for life"!

 

Thanks for the comments Marv.

 

The funny thing is that having a decent but not massive vinyl collection has made me jump around less when I listen to digital. I listen to most albums all the way through. I almost never queue up individual songs.

 

I'm thinking about buying Marv's Pro-Ject Xpression when he puts it up for sale, but I've been looking around hifi-shark for other used tables from vpi since I hear nothing but praise about the Classic 1. I was wondering if there are any other companies I should be looking at around the $500-750 range. I'm not looking to spend much more than I did for the Gungnir Multibit for the whole setup, but I could probably swing at least $1289 since the BW isn't a priority anymore. This'd be for the preamp, tt, and cart.

 

If you're willing to use vintage, check out Thorens tables. You can find some on ebay and also some places refurbish them.

 

I think Rega offers the best value under $1000. The RP3 is a bargain considering the performance. It's not perfect but I've been really happy with mine.

 

There's also a lot of value in used Linn tables, and the upgrades are applicable to almost all of their earlier lines.

 

I've always enjoyed playing records but a few years ago, when I wasn't that interested in high-fidelity I gave it up in favour of the convenience of digital. I miss it and would like to jump back in with something that will satisfy me more than my mid-fi DAC. Luckily, I kept some of my favourite records. I'm looking at keeping it under £1000. Having researched a bit and looked at the used market in the UK these are examples of 2nd hand tables that seem to have a good rep and I have seen for sale in the last couple of months:

- Michell Gyro-Deck SE with Technoarm ~£850
- Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck w space arm + heavy kit - ~£1100
- Pro-ject Carbon RPM 9 w/ carbon arm ~£950
- Clearaudio Concept with arm + cart - £700 used, £1000 new

There's also tonnes of regas new and used around. Can anyone offer any experience, recommendations or help as to if these tables are good ones to look out for or have potential for significant improvement over the entry-level tables ? Or would it be best to go for a very budget set-up then eventually aim much higher ? A new RP1 is around £220. VPI Classic is £2700!

I used to use Technics 1210 MKII so would like to start with something that will at least be a little better than that. Any help or tips would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

Pick between these:

- Michell Gyro-Deck SE with Technoarm ~£850
- Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck w space arm + heavy kit - ~£1100

The Spacedeck will have more body, slightly fuller bass. You can match with a more resolving cartridge to get more PRaT.
The Michell Gyro-Deck SE with that Technoarm will have some of that PRaT to begin with, but you will have to work at the chain to get more of the body and fullness that is beautiful about vinyl. The Gryo-Deck also, to me, looks more aesthetically pleasing.

With that said, if I was picking, probably be the Spacedeck I have a thing for fullness and body of instruments being reproduced through a system.

 

Brilliant - thank you Shaizada. Based on your description I would lean towards the Nottingham too but I'll keep my eye out for what comes along! Looking forward to getting back into it