New Turntable suggestions please!

[Pete Shields]

I've had a bit of a nightmare the last couple of years trying very hard to get my 2 year old Roksan Attessa to sing. Repeated earthing issues, tracking force problems, record skips etc culimating in a broken stylus whilst I carried out the latest tracking setup. The cost of the replacement stylus is £150, which is very frustrating given that it sounds great when it does sometimes work

Before that I had a manual Pro-ject Debut turntable with ortofon red cartridge and a rega Fono mini that I purchased at the start of lockdown. That was a dream to use (and currently resides in the loft) , but I fancied a step up hence the Roksan purchase and didn't like the manual speed switch

In the 80's I had a few different turntables, ranging from an old radiogram, A Bush sytem and then a Duel turntable. Then I went digital

With the exception of the Roksan, they were all a dream to setup and just play records!

I think I need a new turntable to bring back my faith in vinyl - I have all of my original vinyl, purchased in the 80's as well a some newer records bought since I got back into vinyl

Any Suggestions?

I'd like a system that is easy to setup. Sounds decent and probably looks more traditional than the Pro-ject and Roksan I already have (ie not a thin platter - I love the looks of Old turntables such as Linn, but these are well out of my price band).

I was looking at the Technics models SL1200Mk7, SL-1500C, even putting the boat out and looking at the SL1210GR2 . Every record shop that I seem to go in to, seems to have a Technics, and they seem to sound better than my Roksan! I'd then maybe look at picking up a new phono stage (£500 budget max)

I did consider a Rega Planar 3, but I want to get a way from the thin platter

Alternatively I could just buy the stylus at £150 and have another play.

Or I could even try swapping out my Ortofon red on the Pro-ject (it probably now needs to be replaced) for a blue and see how that works out....

any thoughts or advice please before i go out to demo some turntables!

 

[daytona600]

Technics , Project , Rega

Technics remove from box , play records , leave to your kids - Simples !


.
I love the looks of Old turntables such as Linn
Aftermarket Plinth

 

[record_spot]

Can't argue against my Cambridge Alva ST turntable, which you should be able to get from Cambridge Audio's Ebay store for £349 refurbished, or - via the Rough Trade Ebay shop - new for £599. They originally retailed for £850, and the build and sound quality is excellent. Disregard the ludicrous 3-star review that What Hi Fi gave it, pair it with a decent cartridge (it comes with the AT-95E which is underwhelming) and you'll be spinning records in no time. I use an AT-VM540ML.

If you want to go a little higher, then their Alva TT V2 is available on their store for just £799 refurbished - that's a huge cut as that deck normally goes for £1500, has a better tonearm and the cartridge alone goes for about £500, so a fantastic deal.

EDIT: There's also a coupon offer available that'll take a further £50 off the TT V2, so brining it down further to £749. It's a refurbished model, "Very Good" rating, but Cambridge has a generous 30 day return policy, so well worth investigating. My Alva ST was "Opened - Never Used" but I'll be damned if it wasn't a mint and unopened model that came my way. No idea what Cambridge mean by "VG" but I'd expect a decent model that's been refurbished by their team.

 

[Al ears]

I've had a bit of a nightmare the last couple of years trying very hard to get my 2 year old Roksan Attessa to sing. Repeated earthing issues, tracking force problems, record skips etc culimating in a broken stylus whilst I carried out the latest tracking setup. The cost of the replacement stylus is £150, which is very frustrating given that it sounds great when it does sometimes work

Before that I had a manual Pro-ject Debut turntable with ortofon red cartridge and a rega Fono mini that I purchased at the start of lockdown. That was a dream to use (and currently resides in the loft) , but I fancied a step up hence the Roksan purchase and didn't like the manual speed switch

In the 80's I had a few different turntables, ranging from an old radiogram, A Bush sytem and then a Duel turntable. Then I went digital

With the exception of the Roksan, they were all a dream to setup and just play records!

I think I need a new turntable to bring back my faith in vinyl - I have all of my original vinyl, purchased in the 80's as well a some newer records bought since I got back into vinyl

Any Suggestions?

I'd like a system that is easy to setup. Sounds decent and probably looks more traditional than the Pro-ject and Roksan I already have (ie not a thin platter - I love the looks of Old turntables such as Linn, but these are well out of my price band).

I was looking at the Technics models SL1200Mk7, SL-1500C, even putting the boat out and looking at the SL1210GR2 . Every record shop that I seem to go in to, seems to have a Technics, and they seem to sound better than my Roksan! I'd then maybe look at picking up a new phono stage (£500 budget max)

I did consider a Rega Planar 3, but I want to get a way from the thin platter

Alternatively I could just buy the stylus at £150 and have another play.

Or I could even try swapping out my Ortofon red on the Pro-ject (it probably now needs to be replaced) for a blue and see how that works out....

any thoughts or advice please before i go out to demo some turntables!

What's your budget for the turntable?

 

[Pete Shields]

What's your budget for the turntable?

£1500 all in including a phono stage

 

[Gonepostal]

Have you considered the Pro-Ject Classic. Has the old style look you crave and you mentioned you had no trouble with your previous Pro-Ject TT…..will be well within budget

 

[Al ears]

Have you considered the Pro-Ject Classic. Has the old style look you crave and you mentioned you had no trouble with your previous Pro-Ject TT…..will be well within budget

The Classic Evo will use all of his budget....
However, there is this....
www.vickershifi.com/products/pjclasslp/pro-ject-the-classic-turntable-including-ortofon-2m-silver-and-lid

 

[Gonepostal]

The Classic Evo will use all of his budget....
However, there is this....
www.vickershifi.com/products/pjclasslp/pro-ject-the-classic-turntable-including-ortofon-2m-silver-and-lid

Looks perfect to me, maybe ask them to replace the silver with bronze and he’s all set.

 

[Al ears]

Looks perfect to me, maybe ask them to replace the silver with bronze and he’s all set.

Apart from a phono stage......
I'd suggest this.

https://petertyson.co.uk/mofi-electronics-studiophono-phonostage?msclkid=e23b74cbf51f1ae844521ddde5935600&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BVS%5D%20-%20(SC)%20-%20Audio%20-%20Everything%20Else&utm_term=4585856846961110&utm_content=Ad%20group%20%231

 

[Gonepostal]

Apart from a phono stage......
I'd suggest this.

https://petertyson.co.uk/mofi-electronics-studiophono-phonostage?msclkid=e23b74cbf51f1ae844521ddde5935600&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BVS%5D%20-%20(SC)%20-%20Audio%20-%20Everything%20Else&utm_term=4585856846961110&utm_content=Ad%20group%20%231

Very well regarded. You have just spent £1400 for them. He could do a lot worse.

 

[RoA]

Technics decks sound superb if you can live with the ultra cheap feeling upy-downy lever (all up the range). Most USB plastic turntables at Curry’s probably feel better.

Technics should be made to bleed for that one. Otherwise build is good.

The Attessa is a collection of problems. Pure Roksan.

Project make fine decks and the afromentioned Classic seems a good suggestion.

Ps. I come from a late P3. It’s good and the tonearm is lovely to use but it didn’t quite (seem) to sound as good as my Technics. Having said this, audio memory being notoriously unreliable, if anyone tells you they remember in detail how something sounded even a day ago, walk away. Maybe the Rega was even better 😃.

Best pick (and best looking) of the Rega’s imho is the P8.

Alternatively, why not purchase one of the bullet proof vintage decks from the likes of Thorens, Lenco etc? Your budget is enough to get an already refurbished unit and decent cart. There are experts around to do the job for you if option A doesn’t appeal. In either case to’ll likely end up with something more pleasurable than the train wreck that is the Attessa.

They’ve flogged them for less than 400 quid new after a disastrously over priced launch RRP.

It’s difficult to compete with the Rega’s and Project’s of this world at these levels. Roksan had a stab with a somewhat innovative product but QC was disastrous.

Now Fosi and probably some other chinese brands not dabbling in vinyl historically are joining the party. Whilst their first releases are probably as abysmal as the Attessa it may not be too long before they catch up making superb and (relatively) cheaper decks.

 

[Entrigo]

I've had a bit of a nightmare the last couple of years trying very hard to get my 2 year old Roksan Attessa to sing. Repeated earthing issues, tracking force problems, record skips etc culimating in a broken stylus whilst I carried out the latest tracking setup. The cost of the replacement stylus is £150, which is very frustrating given that it sounds great when it does sometimes work

Before that I had a manual Pro-ject Debut turntable with ortofon red cartridge and a rega Fono mini that I purchased at the start of lockdown. That was a dream to use (and currently resides in the loft) , but I fancied a step up hence the Roksan purchase and didn't like the manual speed switch

In the 80's I had a few different turntables, ranging from an old radiogram, A Bush sytem and then a Duel turntable. Then I went digital

With the exception of the Roksan, they were all a dream to setup and just play records!

I think I need a new turntable to bring back my faith in vinyl - I have all of my original vinyl, purchased in the 80's as well a some newer records bought since I got back into vinyl

Any Suggestions?

I'd like a system that is easy to setup. Sounds decent and probably looks more traditional than the Pro-ject and Roksan I already have (ie not a thin platter - I love the looks of Old turntables such as Linn, but these are well out of my price band).

I was looking at the Technics models SL1200Mk7, SL-1500C, even putting the boat out and looking at the SL1210GR2 . Every record shop that I seem to go in to, seems to have a Technics, and they seem to sound better than my Roksan! I'd then maybe look at picking up a new phono stage (£500 budget max)

I did consider a Rega Planar 3, but I want to get a way from the thin platter

Alternatively I could just buy the stylus at £150 and have another play.

Or I could even try swapping out my Ortofon red on the Pro-ject (it probably now needs to be replaced) for a blue and see how that works out....

any thoughts or advice please before i go out to demo some turntables!

Had the SL1500C for two years - before upgrading to the SL1300G - and it is a great turntable. Easy to use, solid, sounds great. Can't recommend it enough.

P.s. it also has a built in phono stage - decent and on par with or better than most sub/circa-£200 stages.

 

[Al ears]

Very well regarded. You have just spent £1400 for them. He could do a lot worse.

Your maths is out, I have spent £1168.......

 

[Gonepostal]

Your maths is out, I have spent £1168.......

True, but I’ve added a Bronze for him. Not sure the cost but must be taking him close to his limit.

 

[Shrek]

I've had a bit of a nightmare the last couple of years trying very hard to get my 2 year old Roksan Attessa to sing. Repeated earthing issues, tracking force problems, record skips etc culimating in a broken stylus whilst I carried out the latest tracking setup. The cost of the replacement stylus is £150, which is very frustrating given that it sounds great when it does sometimes work

Before that I had a manual Pro-ject Debut turntable with ortofon red cartridge and a rega Fono mini that I purchased at the start of lockdown. That was a dream to use (and currently resides in the loft) , but I fancied a step up hence the Roksan purchase and didn't like the manual speed switch

In the 80's I had a few different turntables, ranging from an old radiogram, A Bush sytem and then a Duel turntable. Then I went digital

With the exception of the Roksan, they were all a dream to setup and just play records!

I think I need a new turntable to bring back my faith in vinyl - I have all of my original vinyl, purchased in the 80's as well a some newer records bought since I got back into vinyl

Any Suggestions?

I'd like a system that is easy to setup. Sounds decent and probably looks more traditional than the Pro-ject and Roksan I already have (ie not a thin platter - I love the looks of Old turntables such as Linn, but these are well out of my price band).

I was looking at the Technics models SL1200Mk7, SL-1500C, even putting the boat out and looking at the SL1210GR2 . Every record shop that I seem to go in to, seems to have a Technics, and they seem to sound better than my Roksan! I'd then maybe look at picking up a new phono stage (£500 budget max)

I did consider a Rega Planar 3, but I want to get a way from the thin platter

Alternatively I could just buy the stylus at £150 and have another play.

Or I could even try swapping out my Ortofon red on the Pro-ject (it probably now needs to be replaced) for a blue and see how that works out....

any thoughts or advice please before i go out to demo some turntables!

My brother has a Roksan not sure what model but that has been a night mare for him since day 1 .
Been back and forth for faults over many years up to this day its still hit and miss.
Build quality comes to mind .

 

[matthewpianist]

That Project is a great buy, and I know from experience that the manager at Vickers knows turntables inside out.

 

[Pete Shields]

Thanks for the help everybody. They all look like great choices and would all work well for me.

Looking online, somebody had snaffled up the Pro-Ject Classic so that has slipped past me.

Whilst a Technics would have been the next most sensible option, I've gone a little off piste again and pushed the button on the Cambridge Audio TTV2. I got this for £750 (as there was a £50 discount on ebay).

It ticks a lot of boxes for me. It has a built in phono. I also have been trying to get headphones to work with my system (and struggled - see other thread in the Hifi section), so the bluetooth option will hopefully work great with my Sony WH1000XM4 wireless cans and Sony WF1000XM5 buds.......

Now that's done, I will have another chat with Roksan/Ritcher Sounds about the Attessa turntable. I still feel a little hard done to with that (i bought it at £499 before they dropped to silly prices). I may still also try to source a cheaper stylus (cheaper than the £150 quoted by Roksan). Or alternatively get it on ebay stating it's not working and also needs a stylus. I'll also move on the Pro-ject Debut turntable and rega Fono mini which are boxed and gathering dust in the loft to help bridge the cost gap. So financially it may end up not being a particularly big spend which leaves more money to spend on sweets and comics!

cheers everybody!

 

[RoA]

My brother has a Roksan not sure what model but that has been a night mare for him since day 1 .
Been back and forth for faults over many years up to this day its still hit and miss.
Build quality comes to mind .

My guess is they are equal opportunity employers and specialise in helping the sight impaired.

 

[Al ears]

True, but I’ve added a Bronze for him. Not sure the cost but must be taking him close to his limit.

Aha, but you stated I had spent £1400 and I never mentioned the Bronze.
However, you are correct and it's the way to go.

 

[matthewpianist]

Roksan seems to have dropped a ball with the Attessa range. I've seen multiple user reviews of the turntable that state issues, and the dramatic price drops say a lot. There's also plenty of negativity around the amplifier, especially in regard to heat levels and noise floor. I did consider the non-streaming version with the CD transport, but I was put off by the reliability concerns, and the trouble I had with a K3 CD Di that wouldn't properly play any CD which didn't strictly adhere to maximum Red Book length limits.

 

[Pete Shields]

Roksan seems to have dropped a ball with the Attessa range. I've seen multiple user reviews of the turntable that state issues, and the dramatic price drops say a lot. There's also plenty of negativity around the amplifier, especially in regard to heat levels and noise floor. I did consider the non-streaming version with the CD transport, but I was put off by the reliability concerns, and the trouble I had with a K3 CD Di that wouldn't properly play any CD which didn't strictly adhere to maximum Red Book length limits.

I only really have experience with the turntable.
The whole turntable just doesn't seem right. The plinth and turntable itself seem solid and pretty traditional.
The tone arm though is a unipivot design (which I am lead to believe only usually makes an appearance on some high end kit) and appears all over the place. It just doesn't feel right and is not precise. I t doesn't have a an arm lock ( which also proves a nightmare as the perspex cover is very tight to the arm and is prone to knocking the arm when put on) and seems to constantly change tracking . I also had issues with earthing, that I had to return to get checked out. All in all very problematic. Now I look back on my experience with it, I've hardly used over the last 2 years as I really couldn't be bothered resetting it up each time......

The rest of my system includes a Roksan Oxygene amp and CD player. These are a solid beautiful brushed stainless steel build. Great quality but I believe a massive fail as well - I snaffled them up for a quarter of their original retail price in another Richer Sounds promotion. So I would say they missed the boat with them as well.
Although I have never heard one, I believe the more traditional Caspian range is still pretty decent. Maybe they need to concentrate their efforts on that. The new ranges have not been particualrly successful.....

 

[nopiano]

The rest of my system includes a Roksan Oxygene amp and CD player. These are a solid beautiful brushed stainless steel build. Great quality but I believe a massive fail as well - I snaffled them up for a quarter of their original retail price in another Richer Sounds promotion. So I would say they missed the boat with them as well.
Although I have never heard one, I believe the more traditional Caspian range is still pretty decent. Maybe they need to concentrate their efforts on that. The new ranges have not been particualrly successful.....

I fear you’re right with recent designs. Though I’ve not had first hand experience with them, they all look very cleverly designed, but that then fails to transition into mass production with the necessary accuracy and usability.

Some years ago I spent a couple of afternoons auditioning speakers, and the dealer used a Caspian M2 CD player which was great. The drawer was a bit clattery, but it loaded quickly and sounded mint.

I wish you better luck with the Cambridge and definitely go back to RS about your disappointment with the Roksan.