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Empire 698, linn lp12, pro-ject 5.1, or vpi scout

K

Kibble4

New Member
I just acquired a NAD 7175 PE. I have a thorens td-166 mkii.

I wanted to upgrade as I heard NAD 7175pe has a spectacular phono stage.

So my options...

1) Upgrade tone arm and cartridge on my thorens. Stock arm and current cartridge is Pickering v15 ate ii.

2) one owner empire 698 just serviced and has empire cartridge with brand new AT high end styli.

3) used linn lp12 with stock arm and goldring 2400 cartridge for $900

4) new or if I could find used pro-ject 5.1

5) new or if I could find used vpi scout

I love the look of the empire. I heard the 598 a few years back but can't remember. So how do empires sound compared to new TT's. does it compare? I read the history of empire TT's but not many talked about sound.

So if u have an opinion, please share. Looking for match with the NAD and looking for clear, concise, efficient, and neutral sound. The speakers paired will be theil cs2 and headphones hifiman he-400 and shure sl550.

Just want clarity, inside groove performance, low hum to no hum.

Thank u in advance.
 
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Just another thing... I still have my pioneer quad x8000 receiver that I can keep thorens hooked up too. If I stick with thorens I could sell pioneer.

Just want to upgrade from entry to mid level.
 
Naturally, I'm biased towards the sound of the Empire. I would characterize them as rock steady, with good "slam." With careful attention to setup I think they can compete with any of the 'tables on your list.

But when it comes to servicing and parts, you really are on your own since there is no more support for them, especially with regards to the 698. As much as I love Empire's, unless you're handy or willing to hunt for parts should the need arise, I'd lean more toward the Thorens. At least there seems to be a network of owners/NOS parts/repro parts available that doesn't exist (yet...gotta be optimistic) with the Empire's.

VPI is also an excellent choice. If **I** had to buy newer or brand new, I'd go with VPI.
 
Kibble4 said:
And empire is $500
Click to expand...

That's a steal for a 698 if everything works (lights, cueing, auto-lift) and the plastic tonearm rest, head shell, and finger lift are intact. They have been selling at twice that on eBay lately.

I have a TD-166 MkII and a 698. Both are nice tables. The 698 has a certain PRAT that none of my other tables do. It is addictive. I would go for it at that price.
 
You could also consider a Thorens 125 or some such, or even a 124 with the arm of your choice. Lots to choose from once you've committed to the cost of a Scout, which would be top of my list if I were inclined to buy new.

Check out Vinyl Nirvanna for Thorens possibilities.
 
Br1ck said:
You could also consider a Thorens 125 or some such, or even a 124 with the arm of your choice. Lots to choose from once you've committed to the cost of a Scout, which would be top of my list if I were inclined to buy new.

Check out Vinyl Nirvanna for Thorens possibilities.
Click to expand...

I did check out vinyl nirvana cool stuff. They have a thorens 160 I am looking at on zebra wood plinth.

I guess I am now wondering with the nad 7175 am I am limited to mid level? Or should I be looking at entry level?
 
crossram said:
That's a steal for a 698 if everything works (lights, cueing, auto-lift) and the plastic tonearm rest, head shell, and finger lift are intact. They have been selling at twice that on eBay lately.

I have a TD-166 MkII and a 698. Both are nice tables. The 698 has a certain PRAT that none of my other tables do. It is addictive. I would go for it at that price.
Click to expand...

Have u upgraded your thorens?

If I go all in and upgrade I was thinking infinity black widow tonearm and ortofon 2m black.
 
Black Widow is not a great tonearm for a Ortofon 2M. The 2M is more medium compliance. The OM line are superior options from OM 20 upwards for a BW.
 
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