upgrade from Goldring GR1

[Uncledan]

Find few direct-to-disc vinyls in local store today, I find out my budget TT (Golding GR1) blow away my SACD system. I plan to get a better turntable, which model should I look for? my budget is around $1500. I have a rega MM phono amp right now.
Thanks

 

[Mr.Radar]

Based on what I've read the VPI Scout w/ the JMW9 tonearm is the best you can do for about $1500 new. You should keep in mind that such a turntable will seriously outclass the cartridge and phono preamp you're using with your GR-1 (it doesn't include either). To get a cart and phono pre that will play at the same leve you should expect to pay around $300-$700 on a cart another $500-$1000 on a phono pre that can keep up with it. As a more balanced buy you should also consider getting a Sota Comet ($1000) and new cart ($300-$500). This however presents another problem: your phono preamp only has MM inputs and most (all?) carts in the price range you'd be looking in are MCs.

 

[tyrion]

I definitely second the VPI Scout recommendation. It is a great tt at that price. You can find them used for between $1000 and $1200 on audiogon. Remember, at that price new it is without a cart. If you have a dealer nearby, you may be able to get them to throw on a used cart or lower end new cart. as part of the deal. You may want to also consider mmf-5/7 or Rega P3 with nice carts. The money you save can buy you a lot of vinyl.

 

[britishbane]

Never heard it before, but I've read great things about the MMF-7.

 

[riffer]

I have a VPI Aries Scout.

Although it requires a bit too much tweaking for my liking, it sounds great once it is set up.

As for cartridges and phono stages - much like headphones, they are a matter of personal choice. You may have to buy a few before you are satisfied. The Scout can do justice to a wide range of cartridges. I have used mine with the Benz woods and Dynavector 20XH. Some are perfectly satisfied with the Dynavector 10 series, some like the 17D2, and a few even use the XX-2. Another cartridge that reportedly does well with the Scout is the Sumiko Blackbird.

For phono stages, I have a Trigon Vanguard II in right now, and it is a great one if you like a lot of adjustments. Impossible to find used though, so if you go that way, keep an eye out for the Rogue Audio Stealth and Monolithic Sound PS-1 or PS-2.

 

[Uncledan]

Thanks for all reply, I try to look for a VPI scout tt right now. Riffer, you and I both live in Toronto, where did you buy your tt?
Thanks

 

[Gopher]

Uncledan,

I am a scout owner as well and have really enjoyed this turntable. I'm not a vinyl guru by any means but its a pretty simple kit to set up and tweak, even for me. If you're gonna buy one, this is a table I'd feel comfortable picking up used. The way a scout is packed its pretty hard to kill. Also, there are some great used prices on the table, I picked up a mint second scout mint once for $900 shipped and the seller even did COD.

If you can get one for ~1100 with a decent cart and sell off your rega that should give you atleast $500 to put into a new phonostage. Something like the Dynavector P-75 works great with low out MC--and I'm sure there are some other great phonostages worth checking out around this price.

Man, you're getting me excited!

 

[Uncledan]

Gopher, thanks for your input. You are so lucky that able to get a used Scout at this LOW price. I hope I am able get one like you do.

I was a believer of SACD before, but after I tried some direct-to-disc LP, I know the different between the REAL sound and digital sound.

 

[riffer]

I bought mine used off AudiogoN from a guy in Winnipeg.

Check the 'Gon and Canuck Audio Mart.

For example, there's a Toronto guy on Canuck Audiomart that has a Michell Gyro SE setup, which is supposed to be good, for $2200CDN. It's just a case of biding your time until the right deal comes up.

I believe there is a VPI dealer in Toronto, but I think it is one of those ones without a showroom. Also try Audioeden online.

Until then, enjoy the Goldring.

 

[Uncledan]

my eyes are on the Michell Gyro SE setup. Look like it is a great setup in this price. Thanks for your respone.

 

[Uncledan]

I got 2 used units offer so far, Michell TECNODEC and VPI Scout. They both use Rega R300 arm and without cart, the price of both units are almost the same. Which will be a better choice?
Thanks for any input.

 

[tyrion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncledan I got 2 used units offer so far, Michell TECNODEC and VPI Scout. They both use Rega R300 arm and without cart, the price of both units are almost the same. Which will be a better choice? Thanks for any input.

Are you sure the Scout has a Rega 300 arm? It should have a JMW 9 tonearm.

 

[Uncledan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrion Are you sure the Scout has a Rega 300 arm? It should have a JMW 9 tonearm.

You are right, tyrion. The Scout use JMW 9 tonearm. Sorry for the mistake.

 

[riffer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncledan I got 2 used units offer so far, Michell TECNODEC and VPI Scout. They both use Rega R300 arm and without cart, the price of both units are almost the same. Which will be a better choice? Thanks for any input.

I don't like the RB300. No VTA adjustment, which, in my opinion, is critical.

I suggest going to Applause Audio. I was just there tonight, and he had the Nottingham and a few others at quite reasonable prices.

 

[kuma]

Roksan Radius
Excellent turntable for the money.