The $1000 question....
- Thread starter stopkidding
- Start date
Well, your experience is not at all typical, as anyone can easily determine from many reviews. I have heard of the anti-skate magnets being installed from factory with incorrect polarity. This would certainly cause issues with tracking/anti-skate. Mine works perfectly and passes test records tests perfectly.
I am not going to guess any problem(s) that you may have had; but your result is not typical.
I have used the Denon table that you specifiy, and it is a great table for the cost, but it does not approach a properly operating TT-15s1 in any parameter.
If one did have to interact with Marantz support ; they go out of their war in my experience. I had an improperly working motor at first, and Marantz sent a replacement via next day air with no charges and did not even require the original motor to be sent back first.
I am not going to guess any problem(s) that you may have had; but your result is not typical.
I have used the Denon table that you specifiy, and it is a great table for the cost, but it does not approach a properly operating TT-15s1 in any parameter.
If one did have to interact with Marantz support ; they go out of their war in my experience. I had an improperly working motor at first, and Marantz sent a replacement via next day air with no charges and did not even require the original motor to be sent back first.
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scottyh777
Super Member
I haven't heard one, but any table that looks this good has to sound just as good. :yes:
Nice looking TT the 5.1SE.I owned one a few years ago and had a AT OC9 II
MC hooked up to it.Sounds as good as it looks.When I strated cartridge rolling problems began.The wires on this headshell are the size of hair and are easily broken.After a few breaks and repairs I ended up selling it as this issue highly pissed me off.Great TT but beware.
It is totally possible that I was just unlucky and had a lemon. Heck, the logo wasn't even glued on straight! I think it is unacceptable that they would accidently ship out anti-skates with incorrect polarity. The fact that you had an improperly working motor at first just goes to show that they have a lack of quality control. If the original poster does buy one, I just hope he buys from a dealer with a good return policy. I tried to resolve my issues with Marantz directly but they preferred that I dealt with the dealer instead. It was all very aggravating and I will never buy another Marantz product because of it.
To be fair, that TT is designed and made in Germany by Clear Audio So, potential QC issues are sourced from CA, not Marantz. The motor: I was curious and opened the motor case and the actual motor is a costly precision instrument motor(I looked up the brand/similar models). Every single part of the table is built with highest quality parts and tolerances, and CA's reputation is excellent, so I have NO idea how these issues have managed to occur. Any issues that were/are present certainly do not come from penny-pinching.
BTW, the original motor started working properly at about the same time the replacement arrived. The issue was that it would start up in reverse.
stopkidding
Well-Known Member
If I get the Marantz, it would be from a local audio store who have them in stock, tested and calibrated.
jleon92f
Addicted Member
Hi, it is a toss up between the PL-550 and the AR-XA. Either one of these blows the Denon out of the water.The Platter on the Denon did not sit well on the spindle, causing a wobble when looking at it. Also the cueing on the tonearm started giving me trouble after a year or so.
Other than that is was OK. I got it at a very good price NIB.
I also have the JVC QL-5 I just finished, awesome.
And the best thing of all is that I did not spend a lot of money! No where near $1000.
Thanks,
John.
Brett a
~◦●○o0o○●◦~
I'm surprised it took 12 posts for someone to tell you to get a Technics SL-1200.
Don't spend $1,200 on a $500 turntable. There's much better to be had at your price point. If you look for the folks here who have actually owned these 'tables, that is their consistent report.
I think if you went with A,B, or C, you would not be making a mistake with any of them.
Let us know what you decide!
:thmbsp:
Don't spend $1,200 on a $500 turntable. There's much better to be had at your price point. If you look for the folks here who have actually owned these 'tables, that is their consistent report.
I think if you went with A,B, or C, you would not be making a mistake with any of them.
Let us know what you decide!
:thmbsp:
I certainly appreciate the Technics. If it was still $550 like it was 3 years ago, I would recommend hand over foot. But at the current price of well over 1k for a new one? The Marantz specified is a more neutral and superior device and the Technics only superiority would be a slightly less resonant plynth. It can be found for as low as $1200 at some discount sellers. For the Technics to equal or surpass the Marantz for minimum coloration would require an expensive arm upgrade, and by that, I mean around a $1200 or probably more to upgrade to equal the extremely low vibration response CA arm and it's very high grade jeweled gimbal assembly. In fact, this is what pushed the point for me to get the Marantz over the Technics.
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stopkidding
Well-Known Member
So its between the VPI traveller and the Marantz TT15-S1. What Cartridge does one recommend for the VPI?
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melofelo
Addicted Member
Use a well pressed album of some acoustic music that you are very familiar with...you don't need a 'trained ear' to hear a better reproduction just better equipment than you already have.
If it doesn't sound better..it isn't better. Simple as that.
So go up a level until you hear a difference...preferably with the turntable & tonearm first and the cartridge last. Then ask yourself if the 'difference' is worth the extra expenditure...
Your ears really are the best judge...better than any review you'll read in a magazine or online.
Happy auditioning.:thmbsp:
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livestrong
Well-Known Member
Dynavector 10x5 or if you wanted to keep the cost down maybe the Ortofon 2M Blue.
flavio81
Turntable technician
Great advice. But i would recommend upgrading the speakers and amplifier before upgrading TT.
stopkidding
Well-Known Member
It was at the dealer. Hooked up to demo equipment and a clean copy of Fleetwood Mac Rumors. I know that album really well.
My amp and speaker at home Are good enough. Playing the SACD of the dark side of the moon gives me the chills. I don't want anymore sensation beyond that. Just want my turntable to match up to the rest. My amp is a Sansui AU-D11. Freshly serviced. Speakers are Polk LSI15. And they are only getting better as they break in. I primarily listen to classic rock but want to branch out to classical, jazz and reggae. Not any one store stocks all the options. I can compare between the Regas and ClearAudio concept in one store, Marantz and Music Hall in another, and Pro-ject and VPi in a third. But I can't carry the frame of reference across stores. Being a newbie, these terms, soundstage, clarity, depth, separation are new to me. So I just focus on whether I went wow. That's where all these opinions are very useful to me. Comparing between brands and knowing where to draw the line. Up until 6 months ago I was blissfully happy listening to my records on a plastic turntable with a mini hifi stereo.
Mo knowledge mo problems :-D
dosley01
Active Member
This sounds so familiar.
I have to say this is a very dark path you are going down, and all I can say is if you budget is 1K, you might as well plan on tripling it by the time you are done!
I was talking with a childhood friend who also happens to be a custom AV installer and he was telling me how a customer played a Black Keys album for him and then played the CD and he was surprised how much the vinyl sounded better. Both of us worked for a Mid-Fi shop back in the 90s and have always been into audio gear and when we were in high school, his brother was a DJ with 1200s and a zillion records. Personally, I hadn't bought an LP since the late 80s but figured I would give vinyl a shot if it really sounded that much better. The last TT I had was a Technics SLBD10 with a crappy P mount cartridge so I didn't exactly have fond memories of vinyl (Maybe it was the 80s pop music).
Fast forward to 2012 and I bought a used Dual on eBay for $50 and figured I would start with that. Long story short, it got destroyed in shipping.
So I progressed to a Debut Carbon, then a Xpression III, and then to a Music Hall MMF-5, and then to a Rega P3-24 and finally landed at a MMF-7. My cartridge journey has been similar, Ortofon 2M Red, 2M Blue, Sumiko Oyster, Sumiko Blue Point 2, Denon DL-110, Goldring Eroica H, Goldring 1012gx, Goldring 1042, Grado Reference Platinum and finally just bought a Grado Sonata. I've been through preamps too, Cambridge 651, Bellari VP130 (Twice) and finally a Jolida JD9.
This all began in September! :nutz:
If I could go back in time, I would just have plunked down the credit card and bought VPI Scout and a DV 10x5 and been spending my time listening instead of buying and selling and shipping stuff.
Moral of the story (aside from me being completely nuts), don't waste your time on lateral moves and just save up and buy what you really want!
P.S. I forgot to mention about budgeting for all the accessories, stylus force scales, record brushes, mofi sleeves, record cleaning machines, alignment tools, belts, acrylic platters, etc......
And don't forget to leave some money for records to play!
I have to say this is a very dark path you are going down, and all I can say is if you budget is 1K, you might as well plan on tripling it by the time you are done!
I was talking with a childhood friend who also happens to be a custom AV installer and he was telling me how a customer played a Black Keys album for him and then played the CD and he was surprised how much the vinyl sounded better. Both of us worked for a Mid-Fi shop back in the 90s and have always been into audio gear and when we were in high school, his brother was a DJ with 1200s and a zillion records. Personally, I hadn't bought an LP since the late 80s but figured I would give vinyl a shot if it really sounded that much better. The last TT I had was a Technics SLBD10 with a crappy P mount cartridge so I didn't exactly have fond memories of vinyl (Maybe it was the 80s pop music).
Fast forward to 2012 and I bought a used Dual on eBay for $50 and figured I would start with that. Long story short, it got destroyed in shipping.
So I progressed to a Debut Carbon, then a Xpression III, and then to a Music Hall MMF-5, and then to a Rega P3-24 and finally landed at a MMF-7. My cartridge journey has been similar, Ortofon 2M Red, 2M Blue, Sumiko Oyster, Sumiko Blue Point 2, Denon DL-110, Goldring Eroica H, Goldring 1012gx, Goldring 1042, Grado Reference Platinum and finally just bought a Grado Sonata. I've been through preamps too, Cambridge 651, Bellari VP130 (Twice) and finally a Jolida JD9.
This all began in September! :nutz:
If I could go back in time, I would just have plunked down the credit card and bought VPI Scout and a DV 10x5 and been spending my time listening instead of buying and selling and shipping stuff.
Moral of the story (aside from me being completely nuts), don't waste your time on lateral moves and just save up and buy what you really want!
P.S. I forgot to mention about budgeting for all the accessories, stylus force scales, record brushes, mofi sleeves, record cleaning machines, alignment tools, belts, acrylic platters, etc......
And don't forget to leave some money for records to play!
From your list, I would go with B or C, but I would upgrade the cart to something better. Others have suggested a Dynavector 10X5, which is a solid choice. I would also skip the Cruise Control and opt for a Pro-Ject Speed Box II for half the price of the CC. Outside of your list, I would go with the VPI Traveler.
I just ordered an acrylic platter for my MH 5.1, but that would add another $100 to $125 to the price. I also replaced the stock feet with solid brass footers, but again, that was another $150.
I just ordered an acrylic platter for my MH 5.1, but that would add another $100 to $125 to the price. I also replaced the stock feet with solid brass footers, but again, that was another $150.
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Nick Danger
What about my pickle?!
B stock Scout would be the way to go. I have seen used Scouts sell for even less.
melofelo
Addicted Member
http://www.discogs.com/Airto-Free/release/370380
http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Elements-Shakti/dp/B00000JM4T
The title track 'FREE' from the album by Airto of the same name will pretty much let you know what kind of depth, width, soundstage, detail, texture, and realism a good turntable, tonearm and cartridge combination is capable of.
The entire 'Natural Elements' album by Shakti (especially a track called 'India' ) will sort out the differences between cartridges.
Also, a good clean copy (or decent reissue) of Stanley Clarke's first album from 1974 is a good test of any turntable and cartridge when it comes to actually articulating individual notes in the lower frequencies within an acoustic space.
These 3 albums should pretty much resolve any differences between the turntables and cartridges you are interested in.:thmbsp:
http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Elements-Shakti/dp/B00000JM4T
The title track 'FREE' from the album by Airto of the same name will pretty much let you know what kind of depth, width, soundstage, detail, texture, and realism a good turntable, tonearm and cartridge combination is capable of.
The entire 'Natural Elements' album by Shakti (especially a track called 'India' ) will sort out the differences between cartridges.
Also, a good clean copy (or decent reissue) of Stanley Clarke's first album from 1974 is a good test of any turntable and cartridge when it comes to actually articulating individual notes in the lower frequencies within an acoustic space.
These 3 albums should pretty much resolve any differences between the turntables and cartridges you are interested in.:thmbsp:
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