As the Table Turns

[nailer]

Over the past couple years I've gleaned the collection of quite a few pieces, turntables be the final items. At year's start I had nine: Dual 1219, Garrard 401, Nakamichi Dragon CT, Thorens TD-124 and TD-125 MKII, Sony 2251 and TTS-8000, Technics SP-10 MKII and VPI HW-19 MKIV SAMA. By May all that remained were the VPI and Technics. Being in a lazy mood at this point, I didn't want to set-up either of the remaining two and purchased the Pro-Ject in my signature. Over the past couple months have been debating with myself whether to get a new table or finally set-up the VPI. A new SOTA Sapphire first came to mind and then I came across the PBN-DP80 which piqued my interest. Given that both these tables cost more than a bit more than I've ever spent on a table decided to go with the VPI, although the PBN remains a possibility in the distant future.

Rational thought has driven me to this choice. First, the VPI is an excellent table, it's been hanging around for about a dozen years and have about $550 in it. More importantly, it is an excellent table for tonearm swapping and I have more than a few TAs and cartridges I still need to explore. Also, based on personal experience don't really think the SOTA or PBN are going to give me much, if any, more accuracy,

First though, I need to put another cartridge on the Pro-Ject since I somehow managed to severely bend the Sumiko's cantilever. My third damaged cartridge in almost half a century. Not too bad considering all the cartridges I've mounted, although this one was damaged due to a senior moment record changing slip-up.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Thanks for the update.

 

[nailer]

The Pro-Ject remains sans cartridge and the VPI is ready to go, but is awaiting the Grado to be attached to my SME V. Have also decided that the PBN-DP80 is too rich for my blood at $6750. It also is a two TA table which I have never had a desired. In addition, both TA mounts are SME cuts which makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever and Peter has no interest in cutting the second mount for a different TA, in this case an Alphason. I'm thinking that a VPI and SOTA running side by side would be audionerd cool. The Pro-Ject is first in line though.

 

[totem]

Peter has no interest in cutting the second mount for a different TA, in this case an Alphason.

I'll admit I haven't looked at one of his arm-boards but can't you have one made?

 

[nailer]

I'll admit I haven't looked at one of his arm-boards but can't you have one made?

Pretty sure the arms are directly attached to the plinth, i.e. no TA boards. Even if this weren't the case, no way am I going to pay a guy close to $7K for a table who is unwilling to cut one to my specification. The Alphason uses a Linn mount and if he can machine a SME cutout in the plinth doing one for an Alphason HR/100s shouldn't be a problem.