Do I 'up' my turntable budget?

[plastic penguin]

Looking to upgrade my Pro-ject Xpression. I've had it since 2006 and it has served me well. Prior to the Festive period I dem'd Pro-ject Classic, Xperience and Rega RP6 - all very good in their own way but felt they didn't justify the price tag.

Ideally I should ask for a home dem - and probably will. However, for some strange reason I'm taken by Pro-ject Xtension 9, even though I've not heard one or read any reviews.

Originally I had a 1k budget but may now increase it to a ex-dem Gyrodec or Xtension.

Your views would be appreciated.

Cheers, PP.

[Clifford.T Ward]

My advice would be to think carefully ...........

Do you want to ungrade to the situation where you feel content in lots of steps?

or

Make one good jump to a quality table that will last a life time?

I would go for the latter , I would save hard research well, plan and the audition as much as I could

Remember also rubbish in rubbish out .....a good table will only perform well if it is in a good system......so remember to make sure that the other links in the chain are good performers too!

[struth]

Michell make great decks. Had a a project carbon speedbox one once, it was good but not great. Gyro is on different planet. You could get a real nice second hand deck for that budget, and should consider going that way as you will get a much better deck. Using a forum to buy should ensure you get a good un.

[topoxforddoc]

Like John's advice, i would wait. For £1500-2000, you could get an excellent TT, which would probably keep you happy for a very long time. For that sort of money, you could get something like the following

Classic Idler - e.g. Garrard 401 or Thorens TD124/II - plus plinth
Classic DD - Technics SP10 or JBE Slate Deck
Classic Belt Drive - Logic DM101 (would come into your budget now)
Modern Belt Drive - Michell Gyro/Orbe, VPI Classic

Tonearm and cartridge to suit

[plastic penguin]

Thank you gentlemen.

I would like to add that I'm not a person who likes complicated set-ups: Bias and weighting the arm/cartridge is fine, so any prospective table will need to be reasonably simple to set-up.

Since 1979 I've only owned three tables: 2 Garrards and my current Pro-ject, so I'm not a box swapper, hence why I'm posing the question.

And, yes, I feel my amp and speakers are well upto taking a table such as a Gyro or Xtension.

[topoxforddoc]

I would like to add that I'm not a person who likes complicated set-ups: Bias and weighting the arm/cartridge is fine, so any prospective table will need to be reasonably simple to set-up.


Where would you put the TT? Wall mount or table mount? Solid or sprung floor? Just thinking about isolation from footfall etc

[Audio Al]

If you don't like faffing around buy a direct drive TT , you may snigger at my suggestion Technics 1210 models ( Modified ) or a Sony PS-6750 , idler and belt drive units with sprung suspensions = faffing ;)

[Bigman80]

There is a Sony PS-8750 For Sale in Japan. It's in your budget even with import tax and you'd never want to replace it. Simpler Sony electronics so no need to worry about it going wrong but best of all it's immaculate. I tried to do a deal with the seller but he wouldn't budge.

Here's the link.

http://www.hifido.co.jp/KW/G/P0/A10/E/550-50/S0/C17-08796-27351-00/



Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[topoxforddoc]

Big Jap TTs from the 80s are fabulous - much better than the Press made them out to be at the time. My only concern would be servicing if it went wrong. Parts are unobtanium and one of the best Jap TT fettlers has disappeared with peoples' money and their TTs. No parts and bust electronics equals expensive paperweight. Adam (Beobloke) might be able to help with advice on where to get Jap DD TT repairs, if these float your boat.

The classic mechanical TTs have a substantial support network now from independents, who have remanufactured new parts and are able to restore and service them - hence long term enjoyment and likely to outlast the lifetime of the buyer.

[plastic penguin]

Where would you put the TT? Wall mount or table mount? Solid or sprung floor? Just thinking about isolation from footfall etc

It'll go on top of my hi-fi rack: 4-tier Sounds Unique. That should give adequate isolation.

[plastic penguin]

If you don't like faffing around buy a direct drive TT , you may snigger at my suggestion Technics 1210 models ( Modified ) or a Sony PS-6750 , idler and belt drive units with sprung suspensions = faffing ;)

Nothing against direct drive. I know the Technics 1210 has a good reputation, but I've always had belt-driven TTs. I suppose I'm a creature of habit.

For faff-free tables they don't come easier than ClearAudio Concept. However, there's no dealer within reasonable distance to dem.

[Bigman80]

Big Jap TTs from the 80s are fabulous - much better than the Press made them out to be at the time. My only concern would be servicing if it went wrong. Parts are unobtanium and one of the best Jap TT fettlers has disappeared with peoples' money and their TTs. No parts and bust electronics equals expensive paperweight. Adam (Beobloke) might be able to help with advice on where to get Jap DD TT repairs, if these float your boat.

The classic mechanical TTs have a substantial support network now from independents, who have remanufactured new parts and are able to restore and service them - hence long term enjoyment and likely to outlast the lifetime of the buyer.
That Sony is very reliable and parts are pretty standard so no need to worry about that either. It's a winner and I will buy one as soon as I am able.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[paulf-2007]

Big Jap TTs from the 80s are fabulous - much better than the Press made them out to be at the time. My only concern would be servicing if it went wrong. Parts are unobtanium and one of the best Jap TT fettlers has disappeared with peoples' money and their TTs. No parts and bust electronics equals expensive paperweight. Adam (Beobloke) might be able to help with advice on where to get Jap DD TT repairs, if these float your boat.

The classic mechanical TTs have a substantial support network now from independents, who have remanufactured new parts and are able to restore and service them - hence long term enjoyment and likely to outlast the lifetime of the buyer.a Denon DP80 is around £500, add a plinth at £100 DIY or whatever you want to pay and an arm of your choice. It's only the turntable going wrong that's of any concern and just bad luck if it does. So another £500 and away you go. Or throw two grand at some belt drive rubbish and throw more at it when the upgrade itis kicks in. I think what I'm trying to say is you can take a punt on a fantastic turntable and risk £500 or spends thousands in something as good and lose money down the road anyway.

[Arkless Electronics]

Big Jap TTs from the 80s are fabulous - much better than the Press made them out to be at the time. My only concern would be servicing if it went wrong. Parts are unobtanium and one of the best Jap TT fettlers has disappeared with peoples' money and their TTs. No parts and bust electronics equals expensive paperweight. Adam (Beobloke) might be able to help with advice on where to get Jap DD TT repairs, if these float your boat.

The classic mechanical TTs have a substantial support network now from independents, who have remanufactured new parts and are able to restore and service them - hence long term enjoyment and likely to outlast the lifetime of the buyer.

Good advice;) The Japanese had a really annoying habit of instead of designing their electronics around standard off the shelf parts they would produce an IC ("silicon chip") made only by lets say Sony and used in only one or two decks for say two years....If one of these IC's becomes faulty 30 years later then it's a nightmare and can well be "game over".

I have a very nice Technics SL-150 MkII which has a fault causing severe flutter... I found the fault 10 years ago and yes it was possible to get the IC to repair it, at about £30! but I never got round to it... god only knows if it's still even possible to obtain the part now!

[struth]

£30. Thats nowt... you could build your own chip on bread boards and fit it inside :eek: I did that once for a cnc lathe. Was rather large mind lol

[Mikeandvan]

Aren't Rega TTs vastly overpriced? Not saying they don't sound ok, but boy are they basic. The only DD I know is my current 1210, which I love with simpler rhythm based music such as techno, but I don't like it much with classic 60s rock. Mind you mine is relatively unmodded. I'd like to try other Jap DD's, but there are too many to choose from!

[walpurgis]

Aren't Rega TTs vastly overpriced?

Well it's certainly an expensive way to buy a slab of MDF.

[hifi_dave]

Well it's certainly an expensive way to buy a slab of MDF.

They have never used MDF, it's too heavy for their application and contrary to the opinion above, they are very good value and extremely reliable. "Basic" maybe but aren't all good turntables basic ?

[Mikeandvan]

Can't see a price?

[Arkless Electronics]

£30. Thats nowt... you could build your own chip on bread boards and fit it inside :eek: I did that once for a cnc lathe. Was rather large mind lol

I have built discrete component equivalents to an IC before yes... but not when it's a 24 pin ic which would take maybe a months R & D to create a replacement!

[Firebottle]

It may seem a bit low rent for the budget you are quoting but myself and some other forumites have been enjoying some fantastic sounds from my GL75 / DL-103 combination, through a top notch phono set-up.

Report to follow on here soon, don't take my word for it :rolleyes:

[Arkless Electronics]

Aren't Rega TTs vastly overpriced? Not saying they don't sound ok, but boy are they basic. The only DD I know is my current 1210, which I love with simpler rhythm based music such as techno, but I don't like it much with classic 60s rock. Mind you mine is relatively unmodded. I'd like to try other Jap DD's, but there are too many to choose from!

I'm only really familiar with the RP 2 and 3 but personally I've always thought them a bit over rated... Good, but not as good as similarly priced Thorens TD160 (for example) back in the day. I can't really comment on more recent higher end Regas as I've only heard them briefly and in unfamiliar systems.

[struth]

I have built discrete component equivalents to an IC before yes... but not when it's a 24 pin ic which would take maybe a months R & D to create a replacement!

Might cost a lot in breadboards ;) cough up the 30 and like it... get you a. TT to use or sell.

[walpurgis]

They have never used MDF, it's too heavy for their application and contrary to the opinion above, they are very good value and extremely reliable. "Basic" maybe but aren't all good turntables basic ?

What did they use then? Looks like MDF to me.

[plastic penguin]

It may seem a bit low rent for the budget you are quoting but myself and some other forumites have been enjoying some fantastic sounds from my GL75 / DL-103 combination, through a top notch phono set-up.

Report to follow on here soon, don't take my word for it :rolleyes:

Goldring used to produce really good tables and especially carts. However, I doubt it'll give me the uplift on my current Pro-ject. Since I had the ClearAudio cart fitted there's been a very noticable improvement in SQ.

Like Rega TTs, budget Pro-jects are minimalist to look at.

[walpurgis]

Goldring used to produce really good tables and especially carts. However, I doubt it'll give me the uplift on my current Pro-ject.

I would expect a suitably upgraded Lenco to be a huge step up in sound quality over the Expression to be honest.

[struth]

What did they use then? Looks like MDF to me.


https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=68873

[plastic penguin]

I would expect a suitably upgraded Lenco to be a huge step up in sound quality over the Expression to be honest.

Well, that's certainly thrown the cat amonst the pigeons. I fully appreciate hi-fi is very subjective, but have you heard the two TTs in question?

What sort of upgrade on the Lenco are you alluding to? Cart, tonearm, platter, motor...? And what figures are you thinking it'll take to get it to improve SQ of the Xpression?

[topoxforddoc]

Well, that's certainly thrown the cat amonst the pigeons. I fully appreciate hi-fi is very subjective, but have you heard the two TTs in question?

What sort of upgrade on the Lenco are you alluding to? Cart, tonearm, platter, motor...? And what figures are you thinking it'll take to get it to improve SQ of the Xpression?

If you have enough time, pop round to lencoheaven website. You'll see enough there to keep you busy for a while. Jean Nantais in Canada modifies the GL75 to a True Reference level, but it's big, heavy, fabulous and way above your current budget.

http://www.lencoheaven.net

http://www.monoandstereo.com/2016/08/jean-nantais-reference-lenco-mkii.html
http://www.idler-wheel-drive.com

[plastic penguin]

If you have enough time, pop round to lencoheaven website. You'll see enough there to keep you busy for a while. Jean Nantais in Canada modifies the GL75 to a True Reference level, but it's big, heavy, fabulous and way above your current budget.

http://www.lencoheaven.net

http://www.monoandstereo.com/2016/08/jean-nantais-reference-lenco-mkii.html
http://www.idler-wheel-drive.com


Jeeze... some of that stuff is bonkers. I live in a medium sized bungalow. Mrs. P would go bananas and I think we would need to reinforce the foundations.

What I'm looking for is a spouse-friendly table, something our 14-year old daughter can't trip over, the cat won't dump on....

Think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy something like a ClearAudio Concept with a 'Returns' or get a home dem of another brand, and see where that takes me.

[Clifford.T Ward]

Turntable choice is a serious matter...........It's more important than life and death:lol:

[topoxforddoc]

something our 14-year old daughter can't trip over, the cat won't dump on....
.


In which case, the most important thing is a dust cover! Stops our 3 cats trashing my cartridges !

[plastic penguin]

Thank you guys. Certainly food for thought. Have to confess, though, a heavily modded table doesn't really appeal to me: If it isn't good enough out of the box then move on to a better model/cartridge. That's always been my policy towards the spinny things.

[Firebottle]

When I said GL75 I was referring to a stock one, with just the V blocks changed for new.

Hope you find something to meet your requirements :)

[Rush2112]

Well here's the rub. We seem to be missing a number of serious contenders from the belt drive camp ! Linn, Roxan, Pink Triangle, Avid, Voyd, Alaphason etc., Now you mention ease of set up which probably excludes the Linn LP 12 which can be a devil to get to "bounce" as it should. The others on the whole, once set up tend to be no problem, so give them some serious thought there should be a fair few examples out there at a range of prices.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Arkless Electronics]

Well here's the rub. We seem to be missing a number of serious contenders from the belt drive camp ! Linn, Roxan, Pink Triangle, Avid, Voyd, Alaphason etc., Now you mention ease of set up which probably excludes the Linn LP 12 which can be a devil to get to "bounce" as it should. The others on the whole, once set up tend to be no problem, so give them some serious thought there should be a fair few examples out there at a range of prices.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Yeah I'm a big fan of the belt drive suspended sub-chassis turntable myself... which (other than contributions from laziness :D) is why I've never used my Lenco GL75 and haven't bothered repairing my broken Technics DD...

I actually heard a cover version of "The Twilight Zone" from Rush 2112 yesterday... it was ok but nothing like as good as the original... is nothing sacred!?

[struth]

No doubt you get a different presentation with different drive types. Used to prefer Belts but now firmly in the other 2 s camp unless the belt drive is really done well. There is a certain something about a dd that gets to you after a while.

[Arkless Electronics]

No doubt you get a different presentation with different drive types. Used to prefer Belts but now firmly in the other 2 s camp unless the belt drive is really done well. There is a certain something about a dd that gets to you after a while.

I suspect the suspended subchassis bit is probably more important than the drive method;) I've spent plenty of time listening to JBE Slates (more so than any other DD) and yes they are very good, but all the most jaw dropping moments I've had from vinyl have been courtesy of SSBD's. A friend has used a Logic DM101 with Mission 774 arm for the past 25 years or more and it still sounds stunning every time I hear it! For non subchassis BD decks I would say go for a Rock.... always found them excellent :)

[struth]

indeed, for the money they are excellent value. I believe they basically were sold at a loss initially; certainly little profit. My thorens (which was heavily modded)was excellent as many can attest and perhaps had it over the slatedeck on resolution, and was better with a good mc, but think the slate has a bit more drive if thats the right word. My main reason for change was for stability, as Im getting pretty shakey at times due to being fcuk-ed ;) I had a hard paper round:D

[Bigman80]

Inspire do a very good range of Belt drive TTs and I can vouch for the quality of their craftsmanship. The sound too is excellent. Nothing to complain about at all.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[montesquieu]

I would say idlers all the way - I see the attraction of DDs but they leave me a bit cold for the most part.

Cheapest is a Lenco project. If low budget get a Lenco GL75. New v-blocks and it performs far better than it looks. Change the arm when you have funds. Then Re-plinth or dismantle and built into a PTP project. Or if like me you aren't big on DIY, ones other people have done come up regularly on the Lenco foum usually for less than the cost of the bits.

Alternatively, a bit more cash gets a Garrard 401 ... if it was a modern turntable would literally cost thousands. My favourite idler is the Thorens TD124 but harder to get a good one than it is to get a decent Garrard. With either, you have a ton of plinth and arm options to suit.

[walpurgis]

Having owned several Garrards, I'd say nice as they can be, I prefer the sound of the G88 and G99 Goldring (Lenco) idlers. Suitably plinthed of course.

Mind you. Having been comparatively cheap, the G88 and G99 are now progessively catching the Garrards up in asking prices.

The GL75 and GL78 can also be brought up to a fine standard of sound quality.

[Arkless Electronics]

indeed, for the money they are excellent value. I believe they basically were sold at a loss initially; certainly little profit. My thorens (which was heavily modded)was excellent as many can attest and perhaps had it over the slatedeck on resolution, and was better with a good mc, but think the slate has a bit more drive if thats the right word. My main reason for change was for stability, as Im getting pretty shakey at times due to being fcuk-ed ;) I had a hard paper round:D

Technics motor were they not? Yeah I guess resolution and retrieval of fine detail and spacial information is where it's at for me and this is where I reckon SSBD's excel. "Drive", "pace" etc are not very important to me... I'll probably end up flogging the Lenco before I ever try it out to be honest. I did try it briefly once with a unipivot arm years ago but it was worse than dire... far worse than even a Garrard SP25 in every respect and rumbled like an approaching washing machine! I have serviced it just recently (I was going to "put it on the road" on a whim. It didn't happen) and found the main bearing appeared completely dry and so I lubed it with grease, which made it feel much smoother in rotation. I heard a GL75 sounding good at an early NEBO but generally I would have to say I am unimpressed with idler drive decks... and I've spent many hours with (bog standard) Garrard 301's and 401's in the past... Horses for courses and no good if we were all the same etc.... Tom, and Andrew (Rexton), and many others, swear by them!

[farflungstar]

I didn't think I would find myself disagreeing with Tom but I wouldn't swap my Technics SP10 for an idler and a wad of cash thrown in. Well, I might try a 401 as a second deck in the future but I'd avoid Lenco like the plague if you don't want to be faffing about and spending a fortune on fitting it out right and then still be at the mercy of wobbly platters and springs that end up tied with elastic. I spent 2 years chasing that dream.

A good example of an SP10 mk2 isn't cheap but it's a doddle to plinth and is easily serviced by a competent electrician. It's also very highly regarded and sought after.

If I had to go belt drive I'd go for a Townsend Rock - but again my experiences with belt drive have been hit and miss. The worst was the original Pink Triangle - performance changed depending on the phase of the moon.

Just my opinion.

Adey

In perpetual pursuit.

[struth]

Technics motor were they not? Yeah I guess resolution and retrieval of fine detail and spacial information is where it's at for me and this is where I reckon SSBD's excel. "Drive", "pace" etc are not very important to me... I'll probably end up flogging the Lenco before I ever try it out to be honest. I did try it briefly once with a unipivot arm years ago but it was worse than dire... far worse than even a Garrard SP25 in every respect and rumbled like an approaching washing machine! I have serviced it just recently (I was going to "put it on the road" on a whim. It didn't happen) and found the main bearing appeared completely dry and so I lubed it with grease, which made it feel much smoother in rotation. I heard a GL75 sounding good at an early NEBO but generally I would have to say I am unimpressed with idler drive decks... and I've spent many hours with (bog standard) Garrard 301's and 401's in the past... Horses for courses and no good if we were all the same etc.... Tom, and Andrew (Rexton), and many others, swear by them!

2000 series brushless DC motor i think . Not much torque but its pretty accurate and smooth, and gets up to speed quickly enough without sprinting. does me as it is rock solid physically so doesnt get affected by my stablising myself on the unit or the tt itself. Its also one of the prettiest imv. Great feet on it.;)

[montesquieu]

I didn't think I would find myself disagreeing with Tom but I wouldn't swap my Technics SP10 for an idler and a wad of cash thrown in. Well, I might try a 401 as a second deck in the future but I'd avoid Lenco like the plague if you don't want to be faffing about and spending a fortune on fitting it out right and then still be at the mercy of wobbly platters and springs that end up tied with elastic. I spent 2 years chasing that dream.

A good example of an SP10 mk2 isn't cheap but it's a doddle to plinth and is easily serviced by a competent electrician. It's also very highly regarded and sought after.

If I had to go belt drive I'd go for a Townsend Rock - but again my experiences with belt drive have been hit and miss. The worst was the original Pink Triangle - performance changed depending on the phase of the moon.

Just my opinion.

Adey

In perpetual pursuit.

SP10 is my favourite DD as it happens ....!

I avoid belt drive decks these days. Agree Townshend right up there if that's the direction you are going (I had a II and a Rock Reference), but I have perfect pitch and after years of idlers can't deal any more with the speed wobble many belt drives make (even the Voyd 3-motor job that I had for a while) - it's just too noticable. Though strangely before I bought my first idler (a Garrard) I didn't hear it.

[Infinitely Baffled]

No-one has mentioned Nottingham Analogue, which is a surprise.
I have had lots of use - all highly satisfactory - from various models, all of them unsuspended belt-drive types. Classy-looking, beautifully made, easy as pie to set-up, and they play wonderfully well with unipivot arms.
IB

[Arkless Electronics]

2000 series brushless DC motor i think . Not much torque but its pretty accurate and smooth, and gets up to speed quickly enough without sprinting. does me as it is rock solid physically so doesnt get affected by my stablising myself on the unit or the tt itself. Its also one of the prettiest imv. Great feet on it.;)

Yeah huge chunky plastic knurled feet! What arm do you use on it? I've mostly seen them with SME 3009's of either series 2 or 3, both of which I've owned and both of which were flogged on quickly after listening to them! They look lovely though!

[Arkless Electronics]

SP10 is my favourite DD as it happens ....!

I avoid belt drive decks these days. Agree Townshend right up there if that's the direction you are going (I had a II and a Rock Reference), but I have perfect pitch and after years of idlers can't deal any more with the speed wobble many belt drives make (even the Voyd 3-motor job that I had for a while) - it's just too noticable. Though strangely before I bought my first idler (a Garrard) I didn't hear it.

Yeah I can go with that to some degree... I am also very sensitive to speed instability and sometimes, if I consciously think about it, can hear it a slight bit on BD decks and found the total speed accuracy of my SL-150 MkII very nice in comparison. I will fix the Technics some day... I have a Studer R2R with a flutter issue which it seems no one but me can hear (out of 3 mates who listened anyway). I find it bad enough to render it unusable!

[farflungstar]

SP10 is my favourite DD as it happens ....!

I avoid belt drive decks these days. Agree Townshend right up there if that's the direction you are going (I had a II and a Rock Reference), but I have perfect pitch and after years of idlers can't deal any more with the speed wobble many belt drives make (even the Voyd 3-motor job that I had for a while) - it's just too noticable. Though strangely before I bought my first idler (a Garrard) I didn't hear it.
That's why I wouldn't consider a belt drive these days. Bits of rubber have a habit of changing elasticity depending on temperature or age and just a slight drift in speed control leads to smearing of leading edges. Likewise pitch can suffer, especially noticeable on piano decay. The Nottingham get around this with huge platters whose inertia supposedly overcomes it, but not quite as well a precision control DD and I'm sure a well fettled Idler.
Adey

In perpetual pursuit.

[walpurgis]

Never had a noticeable problem with a BD TT in regard to pitch etc., and I have perfect pitch (as far as I know, from learning classical piano to a good standard as a youngster).

I used to hate cassette decks though. They often warbled their pitch.

[struth]

Yeah huge chunky plastic knurled feet! What arm do you use on it? I've mostly seen them with SME 3009's of either series 2 or 3, both of which I've owned and both of which were flogged on quickly after listening to them! They look lovely though!

Forgot the full name of feet but are microsorber; Japanese I think... yeah, arm is my trusty 3009 mk2 improved. always worked well, especially with wood or fibre heads.

[struth]

Never had a noticeable problem with a BD TT in regard to pitch etc., and I have perfect pitch (as far as I know, from learning classical piano to a good standard as a youngster).

I used to hate cassette decks though. They often warbled their pitch.

Yeah, I had good pitch too at school, and think its still decent.. If the belt is newish then ive not had trouble there with my thorens anyway.

[Simon_LDT]

No-one has mentioned Nottingham Analogue, which is a surprise.
I have had lots of use - all highly satisfactory - from various models, all of them unsuspended belt-drive types. Classy-looking, beautifully made, easy as pie to set-up, and they play wonderfully well with unipivot arms.
IB

I was just about to post about Nottingham Analogue, hehe. Check out the Spacedeck and Ace Spacedeck (recommended if funds allow - they do come up 2nd hand nown again)

Definitely put it on the list if looking for a no-fuss belt drive table. No suspension to worry about, no need to worry about it going out of whack after awhile, etc. No need to modify either. Motor is isolated from the platter too. Can take all kinds of arms also as the arm mount can be adjusted to suit.

[plastic penguin]

Have to state I'm not closing the door on DDs. Belt-driven ones are preferred. The problem is since having a continuous TT history I've hadly dem'd any TTs, except the ones I've owned and the three before the festive period. Even though I've had proper hi-fi since 1979 TT's are the least known to me.

Had thought about Roksan and other brands but in my neck of the woods little outside the big names **Like Pro-ject, Rega, Linn** are easily available. Isuppose given, logically, I would need a dust cover that restricts choices even further.

Something else worth noting is at some point I will upgrade the amp. Not sure to which one probably a Tucana or maybe a entry-level Luxman or something of that ilk.

[topoxforddoc]

PP

you can buy a custom made separate dust cover for less than £100, if you buy something like a NA or Michell, which doesn't come with a lid.

[plastic penguin]

PP

you can buy a custom made separate dust cover for less than £100, if you buy something like a NA or Michell, which doesn't come with a lid.

I know you can. However, the ones I've seen wouldn't look out of place in a bakers shop -- keeping flies off the cream buns.

I'm not putting up barriers but I need a TT that'll give me satisfactory upgrade (relative to the price and my Xpression)... and one that'll be spouse-happy and kitty proof.

TBH, think I'll need to arrange a home dem on either a Pro-ject Xperience and/or Classic.

[RobbieGong]

I know you can. However, the ones I've seen wouldn't look out of place in a bakers shop -- keeping flies off the cream buns.

I'm not putting up barriers but I need a TT that'll give me satisfactory upgrade (relative to the price and my Xpression)... and one that'll be spouse-happy and kitty proof.

TBH, think I'll need to arrange a home dem on either a Pro-ject Xperience and/or Classic.

:lol: