• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Help selecting new TT

Z

zinvestor

New Member
Hi, I'm new here, but I think this is the place that can help me. I recently moved from Metro Chicago to Metro Detroit, and in the process, my old TT got destroyed. I have been using a Dual 1218 with Shure V-15 ERA ii, ERA iii & ERA iv stylii for 50+ years, feeding a Marantz 4430 Receiver. The quote to repair it was around $500 and it would need a new cartridge on top of that. In looking at possible replacements, I've come down to a Fluance RT-85 with an Ortofon OM2 Blue stylus or a Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO with the Sumiko Ranier stylus. Input will be appreciated, including other TTs to consider. Budget is hopefully $600 or less but will consider more for the proper reasons.

Primary listening is eclectic mix of Classical, Jazz, Rock, Movie / Play soundtracks & Pop. From the comment about 50+ years, you may assume that I am a retiree with some time to listen.

TIA for responses
 
Register to hide this ad
Probably collecting insurance money from shipper who destroyed your Dual. 2nd the recommendation that the entry level tables like Project are junk, stay away, stick with something you know.
 
I have owned neither turntable but I think both the Fluance and Pro-ject are well-liked. Sometimes I see complaints about motor-noise with Pro-ject turntables.

As you probably know, the cartridge to a large extent determines the character of the sound from a turntable. The Sumiko Rainier on the Pro-ject should deliver a warm sound while the Ortofon 2M Blue should be more open and detailed. It is worth noting that the Rainier has a only bonded elliptical stylus while the 2M Blue has a nude elliptical (and is in that sense closer in quality to the Shure V15 cartridges that you are used to). Of course, you can replace the cartridge if you're not happy with the stock one.

This brings me to the arms on the two turntables, which are at opposite extremes. The Fluance has an S-shaped arm which seems to be of high effective-mass, quoted as 27.5g (although some people doubt that it is so high). As such, it should be paired with medium-to-low compliance cartridges, even though the stock 2M Blue is relatively high-compliance. The Pro-ject arm is straight and of extremely low-mass, at 6g, and should be paired only with high-compliance cartridges. There isn't a great deal of choice among high-compliance cartridges these days, with most modern cartridges being medium-compliance. In that sense, the Fluance would probably offer more choice if you wished to replace the cartridge in the future. However, if you wanted to buy a vintage Shure V15 cartridge to try to replicate the sound you are used to, the Pro-ject would be the best choice for this.
 
zinvestor said:
Hi, I'm new here, but I think this is the place that can help me. I recently moved from Metro Chicago to Metro Detroit, and in the process, my old TT got destroyed. I have been using a Dual 1218 with Shure V-15 ERA ii, ERA iii & ERA iv stylii for 50+ years, feeding a Marantz 4430 Receiver. The quote to repair it was around $500 and it would need a new cartridge on top of that. In looking at possible replacements, I've come down to a Fluance RT-85 with an Ortofon OM2 Blue stylus or a Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO with the Sumiko Ranier stylus. Input will be appreciated, including other TTs to consider. Budget is hopefully $600 or less but will consider more for the proper reasons.

Primary listening is eclectic mix of Classical, Jazz, Rock, Movie / Play soundtracks & Pop. From the comment about 50+ years, you may assume that I am a retiree with some time to listen.

TIA for responses
Click to expand...
My first recommendation is to visit any hifi shops in your area to see if they have models you can see, play with, and audition; always nice to let your eyes, fingers, and ears experience your options prior to purchase. If that's not possible in your area, I would be inclined to give the RT85 a shot. They've done better than most at keeping their prices reasonable through all the covid-related supply and labor issues, and even their replacement belts are much more reasonable than many competitors (e.g., $14.99 vs. $36 for a Pro-Ject belt). They also have that 30-day trial period so you can try it out pretty much risk-free.

"We're so confident you'll love Fluance, we offer a 30 Day Risk-Free In-Home Trial period for purchases made directly from us within the contiguous United States and Canada. If, for any reason, you're not satisfied with your purchase, simply return it in original packaging within the trial period for a full refund."

I've never liked the Ortofon 2M line of cartridge because they have all sounded rather bright to my ears. Reviews of Fluance turntables, though, talk about their warm character, so the 2M Blue might be a good fit, here. Michael Fremer's review, if you haven't already seen it, has lots of good information about its build and sonic characteristics. If it seems like something close to your taste in sound, I think it would be worth your giving it a shot. It looks like Fluance also offers the RT85N if you think you'd like a Nagaoka cartridge instead, though if Fluance 'tables really are warm-sounding, the Nagaoka might take it too far in that direction.
 
I have the Fluance RT85 and like it very much. IT replaced a vintage Thorens that developed too many problems for me to deal with. I didn't find it to be any worse sounding at all. I really like it. THey also make a version of the 85 that comes with a Nagaoka cart that is supposed to be warmer sounding. Mine has the 2M Blue and I like it just fine.
 
thanks all for the responses, I have visited a couple of local shops that have the pro-ject, but fluance is online only. I really wasn't impressed by anything I saw below about the $1,200 price point, but my budget doesn't reach that high. I am following the advice of the earlier posts and investigating a dual 1218 replacement. Looked at a few online and have messaged fixmydual.com to see what they might have.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom