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Next level turntable suggestions

Scott Burton

Scott Burton

New Member
I currently have a 90s era Rega Planar 3 with Groovetracer sub-platter and Delrin platter upgrades. Running a AT-VM95ML.

I really like this setup, however I started down a path of doing more upgrades and think instead of doing that, I just want a different turntable in the ~$2,000 range that is a step up from what I have now. I have been looking at different options, brands, reviews but would love to get some Audiokarma opinions on it. Used is fine.

I listen to all types of music. I will run this new turntable on my Fisher 500b with Spica TC-60s.
 
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I just went from a 2015 pro-ject debut carbon with acrylic platter and Ortofon 2m bronze and a couple more upgrades. To a Mofi Ultradeck with a Mastertracker cart. They are worlds apart. And of course a phono stage upgrade.
 
I went from a P3-24/PSU with rewired arm/tangospinner sub platter etc etc etc to the Technics SL1210GR -----very happy with the move.
 
Scott Burton said:
I currently have a 90s era Rega Planar 3 with Groovetracer sub-platter and Delrin platter upgrades. Running a AT-VM95ML.

I really like this setup, however I started down a path of doing more upgrades and think instead of doing that, I just want a different turntable in the ~$2,000 range that is a step up from what I have now. I have been looking at different options, brands, reviews but would love to get some Audiokarma opinions on it. Used is fine.

I listen to all types of music. I will run this new turntable on my Fisher 500b with Spica TC-60s.
Click to expand...

If you like your Rega, a new P6 would be nice.
 
Totally agree with Jim on Reverb/ Unisound. I bought a Denon DP 75. Got it in 7days. I couldn't belive how well it was packed, took about a half hour to unpack it. Dealing with Unisound was about as easy as its get. If you go this way remember there is a 10hr time difference. They answer all questions it just takes time. Also if you buy from them you will probroly need a step down transformer. Good luck. Part of the fun is the hunt, afterwards is the payoff. Have fun
 
WOW!!!!! Those are some of the best prices I have ever seen and some with FREE shipping. Thank you for the info! Micro-Seki I can actually can afford!
 
A friend gave me a 90s Planar 3 several years ago. Very musical table, but I could not get the speed stable enough for my tastes (worn out motor I reckon) so I cannibalized it for the arm.
The arm is now on a Mission 775S, which has much of the pleasant sounds of the Rega, but with great speed stability.
I now plan to mount the RB300 arm on my latest table, a Lenco L70 in a heavy birch plinth, to which I added a Grace G-707 arm. Now I am planning to mount the Rega arm at the back of the Lenco, as a second arm. The Lenco is much better than the Mission, specs-wise, and sounds fantastic.
So long story short: Lenco idler drive table in very good condition (70, 75, 76, 78) in a heavy plinth, to which you can add an arm at pivot-to-spindle distance of 222mm on the plinth. Then mount your Rega arm onto it.
 
doctor fuse said:
I now plan to mount the RB300 arm on my latest table, a Lenco L70 in a heavy birch plinth,(...) So long story short: Lenco idler drive table in very good condition (70, 75, 76, 78) in a heavy plinth, to which you can add an arm at pivot-to-spindle distance of 222mm on the plinth. Then mount your Rega arm onto it.
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Lenco user here.

The L70 tonearm vs the L75/78 tonearms, have different pivot-to-spindle distance(*), so the mounting will be different.

On the other hand I quite like the L70 tonearm design, it has many things done right: The way the VTF is applied also keeps the bearings tight (for zero play); the headshell and mounting is far more rigid than in the L75; there is no counterweight thus mass should be lower (but then the headshell is heavier). There are some people who sell improved L70 headshells that allow offset adjustment, and improved (replacement) vertical ball bearings for the L70. This is an improvement that you might want to try.

Update:

(*) L70 pivot to spindle = 227-228.6mm (source: LH)
L75 = 210mm (source: Lenco), 211mm (source:LH)
 
flavio81 said:
Lenco user here.

The L70 tonearm vs the L75/78 tonearms, have different pivot-to-spindle distance(*), so the mounting will be different.

On the other hand I quite like the L70 tonearm design, it has many things done right: The way the VTF is applied also keeps the bearings tight (for zero play); the headshell and mounting is far more rigid than in the L75; there is no counterweight thus mass should be lower (but then the headshell is heavier). There are some people who sell improved L70 headshells that allow offset adjustment, and improved (replacement) vertical ball bearings for the L70. This is an improvement that you might want to try.

Update:

(*) L70 pivot to spindle = 227-228.6mm (source: LH)
L75 = 210mm (source: Lenco), 211mm (source:LH)
Click to expand...

I am suggesting mounting the Rega arm on the plinth (or off the table), so the pivot-to-spindle distance on the various tables is not an issue.
 
Scott Burton said:
I currently have a 90s era Rega Planar 3 with Groovetracer sub-platter and Delrin platter upgrades. Running a AT-VM95ML.

I really like this setup, however I started down a path of doing more upgrades and think instead of doing that, I just want a different turntable in the ~$2,000 range that is a step up from what I have now. I have been looking at different options, brands, reviews but would love to get some Audiokarma opinions on it. Used is fine.

I listen to all types of music. I will run this new turntable on my Fisher 500b with Spica TC-60s.
Click to expand...
From reviews I've read, even a current Planar 2 would be an improvement over the older P3 level turntables. From the evidence of my own ears I know that when Rega went from the P3-24 to the RP3, it was a big improvement. I had auditioned the P3-24 but wasn't overly impressed; the RP3 was good enough that I used the proceeds from selling my aging LP12 to buy one. The newer Planar 3 is better yet, and the Planar 6 that theflattire mentioned would be logical choice at the price level you're looking at. Another turntable I would consider is the $2150 Well Tempered Simplex Mk2; I haven't heard it, but reviews are great and I was mightily impressed with the older Well Tempered Record Player (mine being a 2008 model).
 
REVERB has quite a few SL10's mk II for reasonable prices with a few having SME arms. The MK III versions are really pricey. For that kind of money I think I would want a the New SL 1200 G. I am very happy with my Mark Levinson 515B I got at 1/2 price on a close out from a show along with a special price on the Dynavector I use. Its basically a VPI Prime signature 21 with a Gimbaled fat boy arm , advanced motor drive electronics and more to my liking an added RCA connecter and AC receptacle with ground post box. I am thinking about adding or trading the four feet for the latest new versions by VPI. I added a marble IMG_2510.jpeg base plate to allow combined leveling of the motor drive box with the turntable. If you dont level both together it will throw the belts. Yes it uses 3 belts for faster acceleration with a much stronger motor than VPI uses. The electronic motor box isolates the motor from random speed changes due to voltage changes or stray noise interference on the electrical line. You can hear the improvements with piano recordings with complicated cord structures. I am to cheap to buy that centering piece made by others that will correct for slightly off centered record pressings. $6000.00.

I think those Sl10's MK II at under $1000, would be a real steal.

For Some folks all they need is a TT that is well designed that uses just a motor and belt drive. In other words keep it simple stupid. I can't fault any one of them for that. Maybe you can find a great price on a plain VPI Prime or Prime Signature. I just prefer gimbaled arms over uni-pivot.
 
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Some really great suggestions. I am compiling a list from these responses. Too bad turntable companies don’t have a trial period ;)
 
There is a Sota Sapphire on bartertown right now for 475, buy it send it to Sota for the Mag lev upgrade thats about 500. Then spend the other 1k for an arm.

its hard to beat a MagLev bearing SOTA Sapphire.

Athanasios
 
Unfortunately we have to rely on friends and reviewers. I prefer HiFI News myself with their testing methods and revealing test charts. I also prefer their phono cartridge testing, too. They re a British publication and after all the Brits really love Lp's.

I watch what Michael Fremer has to say. he can be on the edge most of the time, but he can be revealing with his quips and snide remarks from time to time. His latest posting on Record cleaning machines and mounting a cartridge properly is very revealing. What I learned was just because you have the cartridge mounted correctly and aligned properly doesn't always mean you will get the results you are after. Plus most ultra-sonic record cleaning machines are a waste of money. As are most cleaning fluids, bruhes and other accessories.
 
Scott Burton said:
I currently have a 90s era Rega Planar 3 with Groovetracer sub-platter and Delrin platter upgrades. Running a AT-VM95ML.

I really like this setup, however I started down a path of doing more upgrades and think instead of doing that, I just want a different turntable in the ~$2,000 range that is a step up from what I have now. I have been looking at different options, brands, reviews but would love to get some Audiokarma opinions on it. Used is fine.

I listen to all types of music. I will run this new turntable on my Fisher 500b with Spica TC-60s.
Click to expand...

I have a number of tables that many would consider endgame, but the Well Tempered Lab Turntable is in another league. An A list table in Stereophile for many yrs it sold for $3495 in 1985, it immediately became my bucket list table for the next 35yrs.

IMG_20230126_231936940.jpg

I've had mine for 2yrs now, in the ensuing 12 months I saw three more sell in the $800 -$900 range. The prices have been going up, but understand these are rare tables and patience might be needed.

There are new models being made by a different manufacturer but not sure if any in your price range and they're significantly different than the original other than in concept.

If you haven't heard of the WTL it might be a good idea to read about them, notice the arm is suspended by monofilament line, and that's only one of it's unique design features.
 
Scott Burton said:
Would the Amadeus GTA fall under the Well Tempered Lab turntable you mentioned? If not, which model? Thanks.
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It's a Well Tempered Lab but I have no experience with any other model than the one I pictured, the original square motor design. But all follow the main design principles that make the tables so unique, it's just implemented differently.

Here's a link to the current line of tables I believe.

https://www.welltemperedlab.net/
 
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