Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

[HiFi Guy]

@wmeugene check your DM. Found a 1200GR for you. Reputable dealer from personal experience.

Buy this all day every day and twice on Sunday over a Pro-Ject.

 

[duke86fan]

It's interesting that is that hifi guy is almost the anti hifi magazine

Basically saying why you should get this instead... Hence why I'd love him to tell me how to do things because I overthink too much (like so many cartridge and table options)

 

[debianlinux]

@wmeugene check your DM. Found a 1200GR for you. Reputable dealer from personal experience.

Buy this all day every day and twice on Sunday over a Pro-Ject.

I couldn't help but think @wmeugene kept helplessly searching for a silver 1210 instead of a 1200 (since that is what he wrote).

 

[wmeugene]

I couldn't help but think @wmeugene kept helplessly searching for a silver 1210 instead of a 1200 (since that is what he wrote).

Good point, but I had been looking at all of their tables. Now I just need to convince the wife to do it ASAP (to move from the theoretical to the actual).

 

[Hollywood]

I know I've asked this before, but I am getting close to upgrade time on the turntable. Last upgrade for a while other than playing with carts and other accessories.

I'll be moving from a uTurn. I've maxed out its performance in my opinion with the below and a Grado Gold 3 cart.

I currently have this as the rest of my chain:
Sutherland Insight > Leak Stereo 130 > Wharfedale Lintons.

Aesthetically, I have a nice Silver/Walnut thing going on which looks great. Mostly listen to rock/jazz and love the inherent warmth that my system has. Would perhaps love just a tad more analytical/clarity to it, but great records sound great.

So from what I've looked at, my endgame forever table would be something like the Feickert Volare or a VPI Prime/Prime Scout (the Frankenstein one at Upsacle has my eye), but I finally got my wife's (limited) okay with an upgrade and I don't think one for $4k is in the cards. If I can convince her of that (other than buying lottery tickets due to my luck) anyone have opinions on those tables?

More realistically, I'm going to be in the $1500-2500 range. The Mofi UltraDeck is at the top of that and while I like the idea of it, aesthetically it doesn't do a lot for me. My least favorite thing about the uTurn is the belt, I want switching between 33 and 45 to be as easy as possible and not have to deal with the belt falling off a lot like it does switching on the uturn. The Technics 1210 would be great, but I don't know when I last saw the silver in stock (and 4OE sold out of the black). I've looked at the Project X2, Marantz TT15S1, and the VPI Scout. They all look nice, but none really distinguish themselves at least from what I've read. Also, I live 2 hours from an audio dealer, so trying these in person is not likely. I have a lead on an UltraDeck at the old price, with cart fwiw that may or may not be there when I'm officially ready. Not looking at Regas as they seem fussy, are pricey in the US, and I like Grados (so avoiding hum is important).

I have a Grado Gold3 as I said and have no issue getting an 8mz stylus and moving it over, so no cart needed. I eventually want to try the upper series with them. I don't want an onboard preamp, so that knocks out the Technics 1500.

Thoughts? Opinions? Unreasonable hatred for one of my choices? I'd be curious in everyone's opinion as this is my trusted spot on the internet as y'all are closer to me than anywhere else on the internet when it comes to these sort of things. I haven't been directed wrong when it comes to the Insight and Lintons, which I love. I also love the Leak too. Most importantly, I want a turntable that I'll love.

I own the Project X2 in the walnut finish and I love it!

 

[HiFi Guy]

Good point, but I had been looking at all of their tables. Now I just need to convince the wife to do it ASAP (to move from the theoretical to the actual).

Tell her you need to beat the price increase. Not that there is one (yet) but many other manufacturers have gone up (like your Lintons did,)

 

[Hollywood]

My feeling is that the pro-jects have a ceiling of value. Upto about €1200, which is the X2 or the classic evo, they’re decent tables in their price ranges and a good option with a little bit of stretch with the right upgrades.

They are more than decent imo. They're solid mid-tier tables.

 

[Joe Mac]

They are more than decent imo. They're solid mid-tier tables.

I’m not sure what you’re disputing. I’d take decent in their price range and solid mid tier to mean the same? I wouldn’t pick a project above those models against similar priced competition though.

 

[Hollywood]

I’m not sure what you’re disputing. I’d take decent in their price range and solid mid tier to mean the same? I wouldn’t pick a project above those models against similar priced competition though.

To me something described as decent means it's okay or fine, of an acceptable standard. It has more of a negative connotation. Whereas good is well regarded

 

[Joe Mac]

To me something described as decent means it's okay or fine, of an acceptable standard. It has more of a negative connotation. Whereas good is well regarded

It’s understated for sure. But so is solid? You didn’t say good?

 

[Hollywood]

It’s understated for sure. But so is solid? You didn’t say good?

Fair enough

 

[dansomeone]

It's interesting that is that hifi guy is almost the anti hifi magazine

Basically saying why you should get this instead... Hence why I'd love him to tell me how to do things because I overthink too much (like so many cartridge and table options)

@HiFi Guy is honest and tells you exactly what he thinks, because he has no conflict of interest. In contrast, professional reviewers have a conflict of interest between providing a full and honest opinion and not alienating the manufacturers that provide review samples and pay for advertising on their pages. This doesn't mean professional reviews are dishonest, but it does mean they generally don't publish negative opinions.

And, just about everyone who posts opinions about gear here is an anti hifi magazine. There is a ton of thoughtful, fact-based opinions based on first-hand experience in this forum.

 

[HiFi Guy]

Just to expand on a couple of points that @dansomeone made:

I have done professional (paid) reviews. He speaks truth about conflict of interest which is why I walked away. I have no desire to return (although I could at any time.)

In today’s economy, models that I may have given my top recommendation a year ago may not get my top recommendation today depending on pricing. But gear that I wouldn’t recommend a year ago won’t suddenly be recommended today- substandard gear isn’t a value at any price.

Specs are only an indication of what you are buying. They won’t tell you how something sounds. And just because something is “behind” the competition doesn’t mean you might not enjoy it more. You can buy a more “advanced” Audio Technica cartridge for less than a Grado. But if you like the Grado sound, it’s worth the money.

And lastly, I stay in my lane. I know very little about digital in relation to vinyl, which is why I participate rarely in those conversations. I don’t even know what a Roon endpoint is. Nor do I care.

 

[JohnnyCashFan]

I know I've asked this before, but I am getting close to upgrade time on the turntable. Last upgrade for a while other than playing with carts and other accessories.

I'll be moving from a uTurn. I've maxed out its performance in my opinion with the below and a Grado Gold 3 cart.

I currently have this as the rest of my chain:
Sutherland Insight > Leak Stereo 130 > Wharfedale Lintons.

Aesthetically, I have a nice Silver/Walnut thing going on which looks great. Mostly listen to rock/jazz and love the inherent warmth that my system has. Would perhaps love just a tad more analytical/clarity to it, but great records sound great.

So from what I've looked at, my endgame forever table would be something like the Feickert Volare or a VPI Prime/Prime Scout (the Frankenstein one at Upsacle has my eye), but I finally got my wife's (limited) okay with an upgrade and I don't think one for $4k is in the cards. If I can convince her of that (other than buying lottery tickets due to my luck) anyone have opinions on those tables?

More realistically, I'm going to be in the $1500-2500 range. The Mofi UltraDeck is at the top of that and while I like the idea of it, aesthetically it doesn't do a lot for me. My least favorite thing about the uTurn is the belt, I want switching between 33 and 45 to be as easy as possible and not have to deal with the belt falling off a lot like it does switching on the uturn. The Technics 1210 would be great, but I don't know when I last saw the silver in stock (and 4OE sold out of the black). I've looked at the Project X2, Marantz TT15S1, and the VPI Scout. They all look nice, but none really distinguish themselves at least from what I've read. Also, I live 2 hours from an audio dealer, so trying these in person is not likely. I have a lead on an UltraDeck at the old price, with cart fwiw that may or may not be there when I'm officially ready. Not looking at Regas as they seem fussy, are pricey in the US, and I like Grados (so avoiding hum is important).

I have a Grado Gold3 as I said and have no issue getting an 8mz stylus and moving it over, so no cart needed. I eventually want to try the upper series with them. I don't want an onboard preamp, so that knocks out the Technics 1500.

Thoughts? Opinions? Unreasonable hatred for one of my choices? I'd be curious in everyone's opinion as this is my trusted spot on the internet as y'all are closer to me than anywhere else on the internet when it comes to these sort of things. I haven't been directed wrong when it comes to the Insight and Lintons, which I love. I also love the Leak too. Most importantly, I want a turntable that I'll love.

Have you looked in to the Clearaudio Concept ? Solid, no belt flipping, silver, in your budget with plenty to spare for a good cart.

Clearaudio Concept Turntable Silver/Black

Clearaudio Concept Turntable “For sheer musical engagement and superb speed stability, it’s the one to beat in this price range.” — THE ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITORS' CHOICE AWARDS, 2013 “The simplicity and lovely sound of this turntable is all anyone needs to enjoy the visceral and tactile...

upscaleaudio.com

After that the VPI, and UD would be my choices. Both hand made in the usa, with replacement parts likely to be available in the long haul. You can find a nice used/demo VPI out there in your budget. The UD's reputation here proceeds itself.

Grado 4ourears just had some 1210GR's but looks like there sold out right now.

Turntables

GradoLabs.com is place to find all Grado Labs headphones, phono cartridges, and genuine accessories at unbeatable prices. Free domestic shipping on all headphones. Full USA warranty.

4ourears.com

 

[HiFi Guy]

Have you looked in to the Clearaudio Concept ? Solid, no belt flipping, silver, in yur budget with plenty to spare for a good cart.

Clearaudio Concept Turntable Silver/Black

Clearaudio Concept Turntable “For sheer musical engagement and superb speed stability, it’s the one to beat in this price range.” — THE ABSOLUTE SOUND EDITORS' CHOICE AWARDS, 2013 “The simplicity and lovely sound of this turntable is all anyone needs to enjoy the visceral and tactile...

upscaleaudio.com

After that the VPI, and UD would be my choices. Both hand made in the usa, with replacement parts likely to be available in the long haul. You can find a nice used/demo VPI out there in your budget. The UD's reputation here proceeds itself.

One of the Clearaudio arms had lots of user complaints for difficult setup and poor tracking.I think it was the arm on the Concept, but I’m not sure.

For the money, it’s difficult to recommend anything over a Technics GR at this point, especially since @wmeugene prefers silver.

 

[JohnnyCashFan]

One of the Clearaudio arms had lots of user complaints for difficult setup and poor tracking.I think it was the arm on the Concept, but I’m not sure.

For the money, it’s difficult to recommend anything over a Technics GR at this point, especially since @wmeugene prefers silver.

Had not heard that HFG. He could always check with Upscale to see what they say. They are non comission so will be honest about it.

 

[JohnnyCashFan]

@Poly-Rythmo has a Concept and I think @Russ I is also familiar with it. Perhaps they would be kind enough to comment on their experience ?

 

[Mr Moustache]

One of the Clearaudio arms had lots of user complaints for difficult setup and poor tracking.I think it was the arm on the Concept, but I’m not sure.

For the money, it’s difficult to recommend anything over a Technics GR at this point, especially since @wmeugene prefers silver.

Yes, the concept arm is notorious for being poor. I have the Satisfy arm and so does @Russ I , and I think we are both very happy with our tables (not that I want to speak for Russ). Just for looks alone I prefer the Concept table over any Technics, but that’s a matter of taste.

 

[Russ I]

Yes, the concept arm is notorious for being poor. I have the Satisfy arm and so does @Russ I , and I think we are both very happy with our tables (not that I want to speak for Russ). Just for looks alone I prefer the Concept table over any Technics, but that’s a matter of taste.

Yes, I have the Concept wood with Satisfy tonearm and Maestro V2 cart and I’m very happy with it. Can’t offer comparisons with others mentioned, but it’s a very nice table that’s easy to set up. (I think it’s the standard arm with the Concept that has issues.) I believe there is a darker wood version also.

 

[Mr Moustache]

Yes, I have the Concept wood with Satisfy tonearm and Maestro V2 cart and I’m very happy with it. Can’t offer comparisons with others mentioned, but it’s a very nice table that’s easy to set up. (I think it’s the standard arm with the Concept that has issues.) I believe there is a darker wood version also.

View attachment 131273

Yeah, I have the dark wood one because it was an Open Box deal from MD, but man that light wood one is so gorgeous!