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Turntable for KLH 5

Zack Sainz

Zack Sainz

Active Member
Hey all!

I hope everyone is safe!

I have been doing tons of research on turntables, and haven’t landed on anything yet, however Thorens TD 160 and Rega Planar 3 have popped up very frequently and look pretty sweet!

So far in my HiFi adventure I’ve noticed a few things, different sources and amps sound different/better with specific speakers.

Right now I have KLH 5s hooked up to a Vector Research VR-7000, which to my surprise sounds great! I also have a Scott 299B, I just need to replace the power tubes. I prefer the Scott/KLH 5 combo.

Is there anyone out there with a cool KLH 5 turntable combo?

As for price, for me under $1,200 (I am saving up), however I am curious what has worked for AKers even if your table was more than $1,200, I would love to know YOUR experience.

Thank you!
 
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You're asking the wrong question and you've probably been mislead or got confused. While amplification and speaker synergy can get significant - source, as in a turntable, 'symbiosis' with speakers is none existent. It's totally irrelevant. If your research suggests otherwise - abandon that source of information b/c it's immature. So is the comparison between a classic TD-160 and an entry level Rega turntable. FWIW it doesn't even matter if you mix brands and a turntable does not need to match the amp's brand. Some owners prefer it so on account of cosmetics, looks, interior design and etc... or are a victim of their amp maker's marketing brain washing - but the only thing a turntable 'cares' about is the phono stage part of the amplification (internal or external). This includes pre amplification and RIAA equalization. I don't think the Vector Research VR-7000 provisions for a direct turntable phono input, but the Scott does - and even supports several equalization curves. Forget the speakers. Concentrate on locating a good turntable. The Thorens is a good start, but take into account an appropriate cart to match it. That alone can get expensive.
 
I agree, you are chasing a "problem" needlessly.

Worst case you could try to match the cartridge to the amp/speakers.
 
tnsilver said:
You're asking the wrong question and you've probably been mislead or got confused. While amplification and speaker synergy can get significant - source, as in a turntable, 'symbiosis' with speakers is none existent. It's totally irrelevant. If your research suggests otherwise - abandon that source of information b/c it's immature. So is the comparison between a classic TD-160 and an entry level Rega turntable. FWIW it doesn't even matter if you mix brands and a turntable does not need to match the amp's brand. Some owners prefer it so on account of cosmetics, looks, interior design and etc... or are a victim of their amp maker's marketing brain washing - but the only thing a turntable 'cares' about is the phono stage part of the amplification (internal or external). This includes pre amplification and RIAA equalization. I don't think the Vector Research VR-7000 provisions for a direct turntable phono input, but the Scott does - and even supports several equalization curves. Forget the speakers. Concentrate on locating a good turntable. The Thorens is a good start, but take into account an appropriate cart to match it. That alone can get expensive.
Click to expand...
Thank you, the question may seem sophomoric, but I am only a little over a year into my hifi journey, and haven’t purchased a turntable yet. No research has lead me down this direction, I just wanted to ask the question, as I haven’t heard talk of source symbiosis. I didn’t want to miss out on anything fun. :)

Thank you for the valuable information! It is very much appreciated!

I hope you are safe and enjoying music during these unpredictable times. :)
 
peerson said:
Chasing the dragon
Click to expand...
Oh, very much so! I’ll never be able to catch the dragon, but I’ll enjoy every second of chasing and learning!

I’ve recapped the KLH 5, I have tested them 3 different amps, 3 difference sources, and just sat and looked in admiration.
 
There are a lot of good tables out there, and getting focused on one or another may lead you to miss out on something equally good, or better. Both tables you mention are fine (and I disagree that the Thorens is better than the Rega since both are kind of one up from entry level models) but there are many alternatives. A bare bones classic that would be age appropriate for the KLH/Scott combo is the AR XA (which the Thorens is simply an update of, and we can argue til the cows come home which is better). But take it slow - look around, find something cheap that will hold you until you know enough to choose wisely with your budget (which from my vantage point is HUGE) and only then spend the big bucks.
Over a grand just looking for a reason to be spent is a very dangerous situation...
 
Nat said:
There are a lot of good tables out there, and getting focused on one or another may lead you to miss out on something equally good, or better. Both tables you mention are fine (and I disagree that the Thorens is better than the Rega since both are kind of one up from entry level models) but there are many alternatives. A bare bones classic that would be age appropriate for the KLH/Scott combo is the AR XA (which the Thorens is simply an update of, and we can argue til the cows come home which is better). But take it slow - look around, find something cheap that will hold you until you know enough to choose wisely with your budget (which from my vantage point is HUGE) and only then spend the big bucks.
Over a grand just looking for a reason to be spent is a very dangerous situation...
Click to expand...
Wow!!!!!
Thank you so much! I love this advice!

I was definitely going to take my time and hunt around and do a lot of saving to afford something solid. I probably won’t be able to afford something until next year, but the research and history is tons of fun for me!

thanks again!
 
Nat said:
There are a lot of good tables out there, and getting focused on one or another may lead you to miss out on something equally good, or better. Both tables you mention are fine (and I disagree that the Thorens is better than the Rega since both are kind of one up from entry level models) but there are many alternatives. A bare bones classic that would be age appropriate for the KLH/Scott combo is the AR XA (which the Thorens is simply an update of, and we can argue til the cows come home which is better). But take it slow - look around, find something cheap that will hold you until you know enough to choose wisely with your budget (which from my vantage point is HUGE) and only then spend the big bucks.
Over a grand just looking for a reason to be spent is a very dangerous situation...
Click to expand...
Wow!!!!!!!

I just watched this whole almost hour long YouTube video about the AR-XA. This table is incredible!!!!

Thank you so much for the recommendation!!

 
There is much to admire about the XA, especially if you can get one for $5.00, which is what the one I picked up last year cost. But be aware that being able to withstand hammering, while it is very impressive, has little to do with actual musical reproduction - plenty of tables which cannot be hammered on are still excellent.
More significantly, the headshell on XAs is problematic - the bayonet locking threads can wear down and render the headshell useless, and if a cartridge wire breaks off, it might be difficult to replace since it has to be soldered to the brass pin, which has spring loading in it and is mounted in the plastic of the headshell, so must be soldered very quickly. Fortunately there are 3D printed versions available now.
The vertical arm bearings are prone to loosening and then to being incorrectly aligned when tightened. They are steel pins running in plastic cups, which are adequate but can be improved with saphire cups.
The arm wand can be swapped for one from an S arm table (the Technics SL 1200 arm wand was almost ideal, but is now hard to find and expensive). That obviates the headshell issue.
The dustcover is not easy to use, and cannot be used when playing records. The arm rest isn't particularly durable. And there is only marginal antiskating applied, via twisting the leads - this may or may not be an issue for you depending on your views on antiskating at the moment.
 
"Equipment synergy" used to be the term we used. Isn't symbiosis relating live organisms ? Last I checked we have a hobby/obsession for inanimate objects...LOL

While today's market could spend $1500. very quickly, maybe Zack should consider the many budget systems available, first. Then, after learning some more about why we spend so much on some cartridges and tables, you can make a more logical expenditure.
 
Nat said:
There is much to admire about the XA, especially if you can get one for $5.00, which is what the one I picked up last year cost. But be aware that being able to withstand hammering, while it is very impressive, has little to do with actual musical reproduction - plenty of tables which cannot be hammered on are still excellent.
More significantly, the headshell on XAs is problematic - the bayonet locking threads can wear down and render the headshell useless, and if a cartridge wire breaks off, it might be difficult to replace since it has to be soldered to the brass pin, which has spring loading in it and is mounted in the plastic of the headshell, so must be soldered very quickly. Fortunately there are 3D printed versions available now.
The vertical arm bearings are prone to loosening and then to being incorrectly aligned when tightened. They are steel pins running in plastic cups, which are adequate but can be improved with saphire cups.
The arm wand can be swapped for one from an S arm table (the Technics SL 1200 arm wand was almost ideal, but is now hard to find and expensive). That obviates the headshell issue.
The dustcover is not easy to use, and cannot be used when playing records. The arm rest isn't particularly durable. And there is only marginal antiskating applied, via twisting the leads - this may or may not be an issue for you depending on your views on antiskating at the moment.
Click to expand...
Great to know!!
I found one listed for $95, but the seller forgot to remove the listing after she sold it. Womp womp.

I’ll still keep looking, I’m in no rush.
 
tubeactive said:
"Equipment synergy" used to be the term we used. Isn't symbiosis relating live organisms ? Last I checked we have a hobby/obsession for inanimate objects...LOL

While today's market could spend $1500. very quickly, maybe Zack should consider the many budget systems available, first. Then, after learning some more about why we spend so much on some cartridges and tables, you can make a more logical expenditure.
Click to expand...

Lol, I was thinking synergy too, just wanted to go with the flow. To play devils advocate, doesn’t the sound come “alive” ;)

I am not opposed to a budget system, all my gear is second hand, and was very inexpensive. I’m taking my time with this purchase, I’ve been browsing and reading for months. Plus there is a mom and pop record shop across the street from my apartment so I gotta take advantage of that. (last I checked they don’t sell tables)

Knowledge, fun, and a fulfilling listening environment are my goals.

thanks for the input! :)
 
Update!

A few months ago I purchased an AR XA, from Nat, wonderful guy!

I have been doing minor tweaks here and there and it’s shaping up into something beautiful.
 
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