New Turntable Imminent

[Freddy58]

Hiya folks *smile*

Well, the time is fast approaching when my trusty old Planar 3 will sadly be a thing of the past. Arm and speed issues, not to mention it's cosmetic appearance mean I need to do something, and it's always nice to have a new toy. The 'Gyro' has been a serious contender, not least for its reputation as a great sounding deck. But then I got to thinking "do I really need this deck considering how often I'm going to use it?" Yes, I could afford it, probably later on this year. But I could easily splash out £2,500 on a decent deck/arm combo. In practical terms, it leaves me thinking it's not worth it.

So, reigning in my ardour I decided to downscale my ambitions and to that end I went to have a look at the new Planar 3. It all sounds good on paper, but in the flesh? Let me hasten to add I didn't actually listen to it, but I was a bit put off by the finish to the plinth. Yes, it was nice and shiny, but I felt the edges weren't finished to a standard I would expect. Indeed, I reckon my old Planar is better finished. Call me shallow, but I feel these things are important. Anyway, underneath the Planar 3 was a P6, much better, no joins. I didn't have a lot of time, so wasn't able to have a listen, that's next up. Thing is, I've always been a bit of a sucker for Rega's laid back/understated look so I'm naturally inclined. I'm also thinking that if I went for the P6 I could also splash out a RCM, something like the Moth. I wouldn't bother with the 'Exact' cartridge as I'm more that happy with my 1042, so it comes in at a little under £900. We'll, that's where I am *smile*

 

[bigfish786]

I'd be looking at the Clearaudio or project 2xperience.

http://www.whathifi.com/pro-ject/2-xperience-2-pack/review

 

[Al ears]

The Pro-ject VC-S with lid is about the same price as the Moth and reportedly as good.

 

[thescarletpronster]

I think the Pro-ject VC-Swith acrylic lid is about the same price (c. £375) as the Moth DIY kit. The ready-to-use Moth is more like £500, plus extra for a lid. I don't know about the comparison in performance, but there's quite a difference in price unless you're good with your hands and have some spare time. (The former counts me out!)

 

[Al ears]

I think the Pro-ject VC-Swith acrylic lid is about the same price (c. £375) as the Moth DIY kit. The ready-to-use Moth is more like £500, plus extra for a lid. I don't know about the comparison in performance, but there's quite a difference in price unless you're good with your hands and have some spare time. (The former counts me out!)

The complete Moth MK2 is £379 on Amazon.

 

[Freddy58]

I think the Pro-ject VC-Swith acrylic lid is about the same price (c. £375) as the Moth DIY kit. The ready-to-use Moth is more like £500, plus extra for a lid. I don't know about the comparison in performance, but there's quite a difference in price unless you're good with your hands and have some spare time. (The former counts me out!)

The complete Moth MK2 is £379 on Amazon.

I could be wrong, but I think the Moth rotates in both directions, whereas the Pro-ject doesn't? A useful feature, I thought? Not been able to find the Moth at that price on Amazon.

 

[avole]

Rega make terrific turntables, but I'd go with Clearaudio. The arm is better for a start and the overal quality that little bit better.

 

[Freddy58]

I'd be looking at the Clearaudio or project 2xperience.

http://www.whathifi.com/pro-ject/2-xperience-2-pack/review

Why? *biggrin* I remember having a look at a cheaper Pro-ject (I forget which one), and with all due respect to Pro-ject owners, I thought the tonearm looked a bit...tacky. I'm also not keen on the weight system for bias adjustment. Apparently quite fiddly, and I've noticed a few posts about the weights falling off.

The Clearaudio doesn't appeal, visually. Yes, I'm shallow *biggrin*

 

[Freddy58]

Rega make terrific turntables, but I'd go with Clearaudio. The arm is better for a start and the overal quality that little bit better.

Thanks for that. Re the Clearaudio, as I said in the post above (edit), visually they don't appeal.

Re the Pro-ject RCM, the other thing I'm not sure about is how the record is unsupported, any thoughts?

 

[bigfish786]

2nd hand gyro se? And get your arm fettled?

 

[bigfish786]

I use a simple fabric dust cover for my turntable when not using it, but I also use a ken Dodd style tickling stick to dust the tt and the rest of the hifi. I wouldn't let a bit of dust put you off. A friend of mine has a gyro se, and spends more time looking at it than using it. Still enjoying it!

 

[avole]

Rega make terrific turntables, but I'd go with Clearaudio. The arm is better for a start and the overal quality that little bit better.

Thanks for that. Re the Clearaudio, as I said in the post above (edit), visually they don't appeal.

Re the Pro-ject RCM, the other thing I'm not sure about is how the record is unsupported, any thoughts?

Isn't a problem, and, in fact, seems to help with warped records.

I can't complain, the pro-ject has revolutionised my record collection.

 

[Freddy58]

I use a simple fabric dust cover for my turntable when not using it, but I also use a ken Dodd style tickling stick to dust the tt and the rest of the hifi. I wouldn't let a bit of dust put you off. A friend of mine has a gyro se, and spends more time looking at it than using it. Still enjoying it!

No, I ain't budgin' *biggrin*

Could you please expand on why you think a Pro-ject would be a better option? The review doesn't fill me with confidence.

 

[Freddy58]

Rega make terrific turntables, but I'd go with Clearaudio. The arm is better for a start and the overal quality that little bit better.

Thanks for that. Re the Clearaudio, as I said in the post above (edit), visually they don't appeal.

Re the Pro-ject RCM, the other thing I'm not sure about is how the record is unsupported, any thoughts?

Isn't a problem, and, in fact, seems to help with warped records.

I can't complain, the pro-ject has revolutionised my record collection.

Ok, thanks for that. Seems like a much cheaper option too. Just to be sure, we're talking the VC-S, yes?

 

[avole]

Wish I'd bought one years ago

 

[Freddy58]

Wish I'd bought one years ago

Thanks for that, most reassuring

 

[stevebrock]

Freddy

ignore the sheep

id get an RP6 or RP6 over the project & clearaudio.

Both those Rega decks sound excellent

 

[Freddy58]

Freddy

ignore the sheep

id get an RP6 or RP6 over the project & clearaudio.

Both those Rega decks sound excellent

Don't worry Steve, I have a mind of my own

That doesn't mean I'm closed to suggestions, but it would have to be a pretty good reason.

 

[brownz]

I think the Pro-ject VC-Swith acrylic lid is about the same price (c. £375) as the Moth DIY kit. The ready-to-use Moth is more like £500, plus extra for a lid. I don't know about the comparison in performance, but there's quite a difference in price unless you're good with your hands and have some spare time. (The former counts me out!)

The complete Moth MK2 is £379 on Amazon.

I could be wrong, but I think the Moth rotates in both directions, whereas the Pro-ject doesn't? A useful feature, I thought? Not been able to find the Moth at that price on Amazon.

Nope, the Pro-Ject VC-S swings both ways as well.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K46TLNbbz7o

 

[nopiano]

If you've fought shy of the Gyro, it might be worth a look at the much less publicised TecnoDec. I've been delighted with mine, and I chose it over a Rega - RP3 or 6 I think they were called at the time. As to finish, it is superb. When I sat down to hear a Rega I saw a big bare nut under the bearing. On mine it is neatly shrouded in aluminium.

No springs, so easy to set up, but needs a decent table to stand on. Available for under a grand with arm.

http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/turntables/technodec/

 

[thescarletpronster]

The complete Moth MK2 is £379 on Amazon.

Oh. I've just had another look, and the cheapest I can find on Amazon for the complete machine is £519 + £25 p&p. The cheapest I've found anywhere (a place called British Audio Store) is £499 with free p&p.

Don't want to get into a fight about it - you might have found a seller I can't find.

 

[Freddy58]

2nd hand gyro se? And get your arm fettled?

Yes, I could do that, but as mentioned in another thread, the SE doesn't come with a dust cover and the aftermarket ones are a bit hideous. I think a Michell would be nice, it is after all, an iconic deck, but as already intimated, probably wasted on me, given that although I love playing vinyl, I don't do it often enough.

 

[Al ears]

The complete Moth MK2 is £379 on Amazon.

Oh. I've just had another look, and the cheapest I can find on Amazon for the complete machine is £519 + £25 p&p. The cheapest I've found anywhere (a place called British Audio Store) is £499 with free p&p.

Don't want to get into a fight about it - you might have found a seller I can't find.

No need for fisticuffs. When I first searched there was one for that price...... and now there's not. Very weird because it's from the same dealer as I saw at £379.. Might have been ex demo or something but it's no longer advertised.

VC-S it is then. ;-)

 

[thescarletpronster]

That's a shame. I did a lot of looking at Moth prices a few months ago, and the price of the ready-assembled ones was too high but the kit is a non-starter for me (several left thumbs).

 

[Freddy58]

If you've fought shy of the Gyro, it might be worth a look at the much less publicised TecnoDec. I've been delighted with mine, and I chose it over a Rega - RP3 or 6 I think they were called at the time. As to finish, it is superb. When I sat down to hear a Rega I saw a big bare nut under the bearing. On mine it is neatly shrouded in aluminium.

No springs, so easy to set up, but needs a decent table to stand on. Available for under a grand with arm.

http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/turntables/technodec/

Thanks for the suggestion

I had a look and it certainly looks well made, but sadly the style doesn't suit, sorry.

Moving on, the Pro- ject 2-Xperience SB DC in Olive has come to my attention. It comes with the 9cc Evo tonearm. Any thoughts?

http://www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/p-15335-prj-2xperience-sb-dc-blk.aspx

(Sorry Steve, but I should at least consider it *biggrin* )