What contemporary TT within 2.500 euro budget?

[chudo]

Hi guys,

I already own a Thorens 125 mkII, which I am very happy about.

Now I would like to discover more and not vintage. I fancy and dream about a new contemporary TT that would sound decently, would look cool and have a pricetag below 2.500 euros (with tonearm)...

I am absolutely lost in the field as I have 0 experience except a total dislike of Pro-Ject brand...
Was looking at Rega Planar 6 but don't like the plinth; love RP8 design but not sure if it would be worth waiting for improved version. Looked at low-end used or discounted Clearaudio, Michell, Gold Note etc, but am clueless which would be the best brand to look at for such a 'small' price.

Any hints?

P.S. I have a basic hifi setup with Pioneer sx-5580 and canton ergo 92 speakers, and I like its sound very much. Just want to experiment with something new.

Mar

 

[Poinzy]

You might want to start with a forum archive search.

 

[Balifly]

Hi guys,

I already own a Thorens 125 mkII, which I am very happy about.

Now I would like to discover more and not vintage. I fancy and dream about a new contemporary TT that would sound decently, would look cool and have a pricetag below 2.500 euros (with tonearm)...

I am absolutely lost in the field as I have 0 experience except a total dislike of Pro-Ject brand...
Was looking at Rega Planar 6 but don't like the plinth; love RP8 design but not sure if it would be worth waiting for improved version. Looked at low-end used or discounted Clearaudio, Michell, Gold Note etc, but am clueless which would be the best brand to look at for such a 'small' price.

Any hints?

P.S. I have a basic hifi setup with Pioneer sx-5580 and canton ergo 92 speakers, and I like its sound very much. Just want to experiment with something new.

Mar

Welcome to the AK turn table forum.

Have a look at the turn tables from Acoustic Signature, they should ha a model that fits your need.
http://acoustic-signature.com/plattenspieler/wow-xl/

Good luck and have fun hunting!

 

[mkane]

New Technics 1200 G/GR

 

[chudo]

Thanks for first ideas!
I did search a bit the archives before posting but there are lots of vintage gear discussions, gonna browse more.

Will check Acoustic Signature, thanks!

Technics are good but not really my cup of tea though

 

[sturgus]

Also look at the Mobil Fidelity, VPI, Avid.

 

[sqlsavior]

Personally, I'd get a Michell while the getting is good. Those guys aren't getting any younger. If possible, I'd pick it up at the factory:

https://theaudiophileman.com/michell-factory/

http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Hi-Fi-Choice-Article.pdf

Other than that particular Michell fondness of mine, I'd get something that I could run a London Decca cartridge on, to indulge another particular fondness. According to Art Dudley, the Rega arm can handle one, and according to myself, the Clearaudio tonearm that is used in the Marantz TT-15 can, too (although not in this pic):



I can also vouch for a Jelco SA-750 series tonearm with the Decca. I would think that Clearaudio would be a good choice - they make the Marantz and it is a very quiet table.

 

[jrtrent]

. . . Was looking at Rega Planar 6 but don't like the plinth; love RP8 design but not sure if it would be worth waiting for improved version. Looked at low-end used or discounted Clearaudio, Michell, Gold Note etc, but am clueless which would be the best brand to look at for such a 'small' price.

Any hints?

Turntables sound different. If you have access to dealers who can set up comparative auditions for you, let your ears decide what you like best. If it turns out you like the RP8, just buy it and enjoy. If you're worried that a forthcoming improved version will make you disappointed in the RP8, then wait for that newer version and audition it to see if you like it better.

At a lower price/quality level, I had a similar experience in that when I first considered selling my aging Linn and replacing it with a Rega P3-24, the P3-24 just didn't quite measure up to my expectations for vinyl playback. When the RP3 came out, it was enough better in the areas important to me that I bought one, and it has been providing me with hours of enjoyable music every day, and at a performance level high enough that I don't even think about upgrading. Is the newer Planar 3 better? Maybe, but it doesn't matter since the RP3 completely satisfies me.

 

[mkane]

sounds like a tt rabbit hole.