Next level turntable suggestions

[Sgt Shultz]

Would the Amadeus GTA fall under the Well Tempered Lab turntable you mentioned? If not, which model? Thanks.

There are a few on eBay, one in New Zealand, if the shipping is reasonable and no one else bids you could offer considerably less than the starting bid price, maybe enough to cover the shipping. The price it's at right now is a huge score.


There's another in NJ that includes free shipping but the price is considerably higher, still a great price for these tables, plus it has a number of upgrades, and a dust cover.


There are a few more that don't include shipping but maybe you're close to one, I'm not.

 

[Scott Burton]

Those Well Tempered look like an end game turntable for me. I found a YouTube video by SkyFi audio that really intrigued me. Hmm.

 

[jrtrent]

Would the Amadeus GTA fall under the Well Tempered Lab turntable you mentioned? If not, which model? Thanks.

The Amadeus is part of designer William Firebaugh's re-start of the Well Tempered company. The older designs were by Stanalog at the end of their run. I bought a new Well Tempered Record Player in 2008 (as I recall, about $3000 including the optional dustcover); this was slightly before the new company and the Amadeus started production. Stanalog was great to deal with, and I have nothing but praise for the WTRP that I bought, having to admit that it was a more musically satisfying turntable than the Linn LP12's I had been using for about 24 years at that point. While I haven't heard any of the new Well Tempered models, I've read forum posts and various reviews saying that even the entry-level Simplex (and newer Simplex Mk2) manage the same thing, even in the pace and timing category that Linn is known for.

People are different, but I always want new instead of used. I like the easy availability of new parts and support, and I like that I'm buying the full service life of the turntable, not one shortened by time, wear, or abuse. I don't know where you live, but in the USA the Simplex Mk2 is $2150 and distributed through Dynavector. Not the only turntable worth considering, of course, but an interesting option in the price range you mentioned.

http://www.dynavector-usa.com/dynavector_wellTempered.html

 

[Mister Pig]

In the $2 to $3K range there are many options, so its best to sort a few things out. New or used, and if used how far back are you willing to go? There is the inevitable question of drive type, belt, idler, and direct drive. Is this a turnkey solution, or are you willing to assemble a bit?

I have owned all three drive types, and if you are going direct drive I have found the Technics SP10 MK II or a Denon DP 75 or 80 as options in that price point or lower. Much of it depends on the plinth it comes with and the arm, and whether the drive unit has been restored or not. A DP80 is a fantastic table. There are some very nice custom build plinths too if you locate just a drive unit only. But there are turnkey offerings also.

If going idler $2K might be a bit low, especially if the table is restored and in a custom plinth. However if you can get a drive unit such as a TD124 or Garrard 401 then you could hit budget. There is a plinth builder on Ebay from Moldova who is affordable and produces solid plinths. You just have your wait time. Idlers are unique in their sonic presentation, and many folks love them.

Finally for belt drives, you have to decide if you want suspended or non suspended designs. I own both high mass/unsuspended and suspended tables. I could live happily with either one as my only table, so I am not going to give the nod to one type or the other. In concept I like suspended better.

If I was in this price range, this is what I would look hard at. Yes its a bit over budget I think, but an excellent value.

Basis 2001 Signature turntable with Vector 4 tonearm and dust cover For Sale - US Audio Mart

 

[Scott Burton]

I don’t mind âge or condition. As long as I can get parts I am willing to fix or upgrade parts. I have probably 20 low to mid-level vintage turntables that I have brought a few back to life. I sometimes sell them or keep them. This one is on my main setup though which I am very picky of and want to step up from what I have in my collection. I have compiled a large list based on everyone’s advice. I am going to do more research.

I have to admit the simplicity, and genius of the Well Tempered tonearm design with the high viscosity oil has piqued my engineers brain and I am seriously considering that turntable. Unfortunately I live in a town with not a lot of HiFi folks and I have to read reviews and take a leap. I am not far from Los Angeles so taking a trip down to some of the audio stores to hear some brands might be in order.

I sincerely appreciate everyone’s help on this. That’s what I love about this forum.

 

[MuseChaser]

I've had (and still have and use) a Thorens TD166 MKII, then bought a VPI Scout. Very happy with it.

 

[Legrace]

Agree with Mister Pig, for my end TT I choose DP80. It is superb.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

I don’t mind âge or condition. As long as I can get parts I am willing to fix or upgrade parts. I have probably 20 low to mid-level vintage turntables that I have brought a few back to life. I sometimes sell them or keep them. This one is on my main setup though which I am very picky of and want to step up from what I have in my collection. I have compiled a large list based on everyone’s advice. I am going to do more research.

I have to admit the simplicity, and genius of the Well Tempered tonearm design with the high viscosity oil has piqued my engineers brain and I am seriously considering that turntable. Unfortunately I live in a town with not a lot of HiFi folks and I have to read reviews and take a leap. I am not far from Los Angeles so taking a trip down to some of the audio stores to hear some brands might be in order.

I sincerely appreciate everyone’s help on this. That’s what I love about this forum.

Have you read up on the platter bearing? It's design is as far outside the box thinking as the arm, then there's the dished platter. I believe it was Stereophile's Brian Damkroger that stated it works as good as any vacuum hold down system.

I should mention the designer was an aerospace engineer, he noticed areas on conventional turntables that needed addressing.

Heres Art Dudley on the Well Tempered Lab

https://www.stereophile.com/artdudleylistening/1106listening/index.html

 

[MuseChaser]

Have you read up on the platter bearing? It's design is as far outside the box thinking as the arm, then there's the dished platter. I believe it was Stereophile's Brian Damkroger that stated it works as good as any vacuum hold down system.

I should mention the designer was an aerospace engineer, he noticed areas on conventional turntables that needed addressing.

Heres Art Dudley on the Well Tempered Lab

https://www.stereophile.com/artdudleylistening/1106listening/index.html

Thanks for the link. Interesting reading about the design of the WTL...would love to see/hear one.

This paragraph is copied from the linked article, although the emphasis is mine. That was nice to read, too....

"So it goes with record players. A really good one seems to just pull the groove under the stylus tip in such a steady, stately, unperturbed way that the sound you hear has all the flow and momentum you experience when a flesh-and-blood musician plays an instrument or sings a song. I've never heard an unmodified Linn or Rega that failed in that regard. Ditto most Roksans, Pink Triangles, and the smallest and simplest of the recent VPIs that I've heard—such as the amazing and very cost-effective Scout. And so it was with the Well Tempered Record Player. Its sound was easier than most to appreciate, understand, and enjoy as music."

In the words of Mammy Yokum..."I concurs."