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Which is more important? A new turntable or buying more vinyl?

Kingpin5

Kingpin5

Lunatic Member
Hello Friends,
I’m perplexed or struggling with choices. I have a small listening room ~15 ft x 20 ft. (5 m x 7 m approximately). I’ve got three active turntables, a Dual 1229, a Dual 1219 and a Thorens TD-165. All three function in perfect order and run beautifully. The Duals feed into a Marantz 3200 Stereo Console and then fed through a Marantz 2230b receiver powering a set of DCM TF-400s. The 165 is fed into a HK 930 and it drives some baby Advents. So far I’m not hurting for options to play a slab of wax.

However, I’ve a serious case of upgraditis and the green light from management to move forward.

My the choices are:
1) New cartridges and styli for the three decks. ( 78 rpm- 33 1/3 stereo- 33 1/3 mono), this is easy and completely doable. By doing this I can also dip a toe into three.
2) A Thorens TD-125. (MK I or MK II) refresh/restored by a certain well known Thorens engineer. The case would be where I buy a functioning 125 and have it overhauled. The most expensive choice, which then negates my ability to do choices one or three for a while.
3) Buy almost every grail I can off a certain well known website. This one at this point is the most logical. I like my setup. I cannot spend enough time with it, but I love hunting for records. If I do this, what do I do later on when I’m casting about what to do with some sudden free time?

These are first world problems I’m faced with here.
What is anyone else thinking?
 
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Can't see them as "problems"...more so choices.

If given your audio scenario, I'd go with the "Thorens", but just my POV.

Many would like to have your case of "upgraditis".

Let YOUR ears choose the best of the three.


Q
 
Hello King,
For a fellow who already has a splendid record collection. Wasn't on your list. But, speakers make the biggest impact. Maybe an ADS upgrade of the Baby Advent. I have experience with ADS L470 and larger L880. Love those soft domes for jazz. Just an idea.
But, record shopping through stacks is fun.
 
Last edited:
The 125 is much better at isolation from footfalls than the 160 series.
The 125 with a separate tonearm opens up a whole new world of possibilities and upgrades the performance
The above would be one bump and maybe later another bump, $$$ or more apart
The purchase of records and you get a fix every time one is delivered.

It is your high, how often do you need to catch that thrill?

My 1219 was stolen and the 125 SME I replaced it with, months later, was to me light years ahead in sonic clarity. Was it the table, arm, swap from old 681EE to new 4000D/III, I don't know, maybe it was the new system but I put it all on the table combo and have had separate arms on the main player since. The auto job SL-1600II, came with an arm but it less frequently used.
 
Old Guy8 said:
Hello King,
For a fellow who already has a splendid record collection. Wasn't on your list. But, speakers make the biggest impact. Maybe an ADS upgrade of the Baby Advents. Love those soft domes for jazz. Just an idea.
But, record shopping through stacks is fun.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your kind words. I’m kinda happy with my 400s. But you are right, hadn’t thought about speakers. Hmmmmmmmm
 
Blue Shadow said:
The 125 is much better at isolation from footfalls than the 160 series.
The 125 with a separate tonearm opens up a whole new world of possibilities and upgrades the performance
The above would be one bump and maybe later another bump, $$$ or more apart
The purchase of records and you get a fix every time one is delivered.

It is your high, how often do you need to catch that thrill?

My 1219 was stolen and the 125 SME I replaced it with, months later, was to me light years ahead in sonic clarity. Was it the table, arm, swap from old 681EE to new 4000D/III, I don't know, maybe it was the new system but I put it all on the table combo and have had separate arms on the main player since. The auto job SL-1600II, came with an arm but it less frequently used.
Click to expand...
Actually, I NEED the thrill of the hunt and time hitting record stores. I travel a lot and have been to many different countries record shopping. Each visit yields new treasures and finds. I also have fun yakking it up with the store owners. So there’s much to consider.
 
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Nyjblbob said:
I'm shocked at how many Vinyl lovers, have older low budget speakers,
but thousands into their TT Rigs. What's the Point???
same thing with the R2R gang!
bobhorn
Click to expand...

Could be several factors with..."stay with the old".

Diminishing hearing ability

Rising cost of living

On fixed income

Used to the speakers

Cost of speakers today

Cost of upgrading/adding to record collection

Some are source sensitive=specs

Some just prefer the vint look/sound.


Take your pick.

Q
 
You got a good situation. 1 single item or multiple smaller items? Going up or sideways? How to scratch the itch. The ears want what the ears want.

I’d be taking advantage of that traveling and look for inexpensive used carts rather than new. How about a 2nd phono stage? TF400s are sweet!
 
Nyjblbob said:
I'm shocked at how many Vinyl lovers, have older low budget speakers,
but thousands into their TT Rigs. What's the Point???
same thing with the R2R gang!
bobhorn
Click to expand...
The TF-400s were born out of a budget and desire to build the system to be “period“ correct. Though they are old, like their owner, we both perform magnificently.
 
Quadman2 said:
Could be several factors with..."stay with the old".

Diminishing hearing ability

Rising cost of living

On fixed income

Used to the speakers

Cost of speakers today

Cost of upgrading/adding to record collection

Some are source sensitive=specs

Some just prefer the vint look/sound.


Take your pick.

Q
Click to expand...
Q, you speak well and are knowledgeable.
 
app4dstn said:
You got a good situation. 1 single item or multiple smaller items? Going up or sideways? How to scratch the itch. The ears want what the ears want.

I’d be taking advantage of that traveling and look for inexpensive used carts rather than new. How about a 2nd phono stage? TF400s are sweet!
Click to expand...
Well said! It’s the most logical choice.
 
Kingpin5 said:
Hello Friends,
I’m perplexed or struggling with choices. I have a small listening room ~15 ft x 20 ft. (5 m x 7 m approximately). I’ve got three active turntables, a Dual 1229, a Dual 1219 and a Thorens TD-165. All three function in perfect order and run beautifully. The Duals feed into a Marantz 3200 Stereo Console and then fed through a Marantz 2230b receiver powering a set of DCM TF-400s. The 165 is fed into a HK 930 and it drives some baby Advents. So far I’m not hurting for options to play a slab of wax.

However, I’ve a serious case of upgraditis and the green light from management to move forward.

My the choices are:
1) New cartridges and styli for the three decks. ( 78 rpm- 33 1/3 stereo- 33 1/3 mono), this is easy and completely doable. By doing this I can also dip a toe into three.
2) A Thorens TD-125. (MK I or MK II) refresh/restored by a certain well known Thorens engineer. The case would be where I buy a functioning 125 and have it overhauled. The most expensive choice, which then negates my ability to do choices one or three for a while.
3) Buy almost every grail I can off a certain well known website. This one at this point is the most logical. I like my setup. I cannot spend enough time with it, but I love hunting for records. If I do this, what do I do later on when I’m casting about what to do with some sudden free time?

These are first world problems I’m faced with here.
What is anyone else thinking?
Click to expand...
As I had all 3 TT's you listed, it's time to upgrade as technology is Light years ahead of those 3. Noise floor and drive motors just for starters. Either trade in or sell, put together a budget and goto a few dealers to demo.
 
CohibaJoe said:
As I had all 3 TT's you listed, it's time to upgrade as technology is Light years ahead of those 3. Noise floor and drive motors just for starters. Either trade in or sell, put together a budget and goto a few dealers to demo.
Click to expand...
That’s an option I had not considered. one of my missions was to keep my gear period correct. I’ve got solid gear that performs well and a new deck may be cost prohibitive. I’m kinda mid-fi guy with aspirations of middle class audiophile. Besides, in a 15 x 20 ft space it doesn’t take much for equipment to sound great.
 
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