TT suggestions to complement a modded SL-1210?

[nickbaba]

So this thread kind of follows on from my last one asking about a 1210 v Michell Orbe.

I have a modded Technics 1210 (Jelco 750 + Yannis silver re-wire/ Oyaide carbon-fibre headshell/ Denon DL-103 / Funk Firm 'Audiophile' platter/ Mike New bearing/ Paul Hynes SR-5 external PSU / Isonoe feet) that I enjoy and intend to keep, but it's the only TT I own and I'm considering looking for another turntable with a different presentation to complement it. So not really interested in another DD.

Would love to hear some recommendations for TTs that you think would complement or even improve on the 1210's presentation? I'd characterize it as muscular, with rock-solid timing and pitch but maybe a little too up-front and 'in-your-face' at times. I'd like to find something with more subtlety, but still with the pitch and timing stability. Open to both vintage or modern.

Budget is up to around 3.5k max (for deck without tonearm)

Contenders at the moment:

Thorens TD124 mkii
Origin Live Resolution
Nottingham Analogue Dias
Michell Orbe

[Wakefield Turntables]

An idler. Garrard/Lenco or the Thorens. You could get a decent 301/401 or TD124 for that budget. The Lenco 75 is only a smidge behind these and a hell of a lot cheaper.

[Ammonite Audio]

I'd certainly add the Soulines Kubrick DCX to the list. I'm not entirely neutral on this, since I sell it, but it is a beautifully engineered and made deck with great speed stability and a truly musical and lyrical performance. More details at https://ammonite-audio.co.uk/product/soulines-kubrick-dcx-turntable/ . You're welcome to a home demonstration of the Kubrick DCX with either Jelco TK-850S tonearm or Timestep T-609.

Adam Smith's HFN Review of the Kubrick DCX can be seen here (http://www.time-step.com/distribution/images/HiFi%20News%20Kubrick.pdf)
Stereophile Review here (https://www.stereophile.com/content/listening-175-soulines-kubrick-dcx-turntable)
HiFi Pig Review here (https://hifipig.com/soulines-kubrick-dcx-turntable/)
TNT Review here (http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/kubrick_dcx_e.html)



So this thread kind of follows on from my last one asking about a 1210 v Michell Orbe.

I have a modded Technics 1210 (Jelco 750 + Yannis silver re-wire/ Oyaide carbon-fibre headshell/ Denon DL-103 / Funk Firm 'Audiophile' platter/ Mike New bearing/ Paul Hynes SR-5 external PSU / Isonoe feet) that I enjoy and intend to keep, but it's the only TT I own and I'm considering looking for another turntable with a different presentation to complement it. So not really interested in another DD.

Would love to hear some recommendations for TTs that you think would complement or even improve on the 1210's presentation? I'd characterize it as muscular, with rock-solid timing and pitch but maybe a little too up-front and 'in-your-face' at times. I'd like to find something with more subtlety, but still with the pitch and timing stability. Open to both vintage or modern.

Budget is up to around 3.5k max (for deck without tonearm)

Contenders at the moment:

Thorens TD124 mkii
Origin Live Resolution
Nottingham Analogue Dias
Michell Orbe

[Beobloke]

So this thread kind of follows on from my last one asking about a 1210 v Michell Orbe.

I have a modded Technics 1210 (Jelco 750 + Yannis silver re-wire/ Oyaide carbon-fibre headshell/ Denon DL-103 / Funk Firm 'Audiophile' platter/ Mike New bearing/ Paul Hynes SR-5 external PSU / Isonoe feet) that I enjoy and intend to keep, but it's the only TT I own and I'm considering looking for another turntable with a different presentation to complement it. So not really interested in another DD.

Would love to hear some recommendations for TTs that you think would complement or even improve on the 1210's presentation? I'd characterize it as muscular, with rock-solid timing and pitch but maybe a little too up-front and 'in-your-face' at times. I'd like to find something with more subtlety, but still with the pitch and timing stability. Open to both vintage or modern.

Budget is up to around 3.5k max (for deck without tonearm)

Contenders at the moment:

Thorens TD124 mkii
Origin Live Resolution
Nottingham Analogue Dias
Michell Orbe

£3.5k would get you a nicely serviced SP10 Mk2.. Then again, I sold my SP10 Mk2 in favour of a Sony TTS-8000 and these don't crop up too often but are usually around the £500-£1000 mark.

Also, I do not wish to denigrate any of your choices as they are all fine decks, but if you're used to SL-1210 speed stability, then the belt drives might come as a bit of a disappointment.

[Bigman80]

£3.5k would get you a nicely serviced SP10 Mk2.. Then again, I sold my SP10 Mk2 in favour of a Sony TTS-8000 and these don't crop up too often but are usually around the £500-£1000 mark.

Also, I do not wish to denigrate any of your choices as they are all fine decks, but if you're used to SL-1210 speed stability, then the belt drives might come as a bit of a disappointment.What's better. The SP10 or the Sony TTS8000

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[RobbieGong]

Better ? Probably different sound/flavour. Both are damn good decks, built with application and intent to be so http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-TTS-8000.html

[losepete]

Have a listen to a Linn LP12 with a decent arm and cartridge - see if you can get a demo of the latest Majik at a dealers.

[Beobloke]

What's better. The SP10 or the Sony TTS8000

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As I said, I preferred the Sony, but the Technics is no slouch.

[Bigman80]

As I said, I preferred the Sony, but the Technics is no slouch.Fair enough.

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[RobbieGong]

Lovely deck the TTS 8000. Its bigger brother the PS-X9..... man would i like one of those ! Go for big bucks though

[Beobloke]

Lovely deck the TTS 8000. Its bigger brother the PS-X9..... man would i like one of those ! Go for big bucks though

What do you think eventually persuaded me to sell the TTS-8000? ;)

[RobbieGong]

What do you think eventually persuaded me to sell the TTS-8000? ;)

:) Nice one! and congratulations if you do own a fabulous deck like that :respect:

[karma67]

i wouldn't mind a tts-8000.........NO I WOULDN'T..... yes i would,SHUT UP and step away from buy it now......

HELP ME SOMEBODY!!! :lol:

[RobbieGong]

i wouldn't mind a tts-8000.........NO I WOULDN'T..... yes i would,SHUT UP and step away from buy it now......

HELP ME SOMEBODY!!! :lol:

:lol: I'm no good to you Jamie, know it too well my self lol

[montesquieu]

Edited as I didn't read the budget info.

Got to be an idler. Personally for all they look superb I'd avoid the Garrard 301, never been a fan .. 401 is better in my opinion, though my favourite idler is the TD124 MkII (not the Mk1 with the iron platter which restricts your cartridge options) however the Schopper platter takes the mass back up to what the Mk1 has. I have one on mine and wouldn't go back, one of the few true upgrades with no down side.

Ive been through a lot of arms on mine, I've ended up with a pair of Ikedas, 12in and 9in (IT407 and IT345 respectively), in my setup they bettered loads of previous arms including FR64S, SME M2-12R, Ortofon RMG309, Audio Note Arm3/II, the AO unipivot, and the Timestep/Groovemaster 12in, though in some cases not by a great deal and obviously arm choice drives cartridge. Ideally you want one with a removable headshell.

Reading Nari's text below I'd avoid the Rock Reference, even more than a decade ago mine was getting a bit flaky and even Max doesn't have the parts any more. One of the few belt drive decks that doesn't have audible wobble though. No point in an SP10 really it's your upgrade from the Techie rather than something complementary. I have a soft spot for the Kuzma Reference which might be in budget though you won't get an arm as well for that.

[Vrajbasi]

These days 3.5k don,t get you much new but still there are plenty you could find used, I would seriously consider a Pink Triangle anniversary I think one of the nicest matches for the sme V and iv there was alot of research done into the arm board and termination resulting in a great match. if you can get one it has the most superb midrange, a Townshend rock reference is a nice turntable too superb bass reproduction very stable sound and very detailed. Of the idler drive turntables a Thorens 124 is my fav superb add a Sme 12r and you have a very solid performer. The Sme model 10 can be a bit boring if used with a conventional Sme arm but add a M-9R and a spu and becomes a lovely turntable actually very musical I have heard this combination and it can produce a superb midrange and great texture rather good bass too. I would avoid Sme mode al 20/2 with Sme v can be a little too dry and boring. The sp10 can also sound great I particularly like it with a fidelity research fr64. The Orbe is still a good option as provides great value for money when you think of all the other nonsense out theere

[Spectral Morn]

These days 3.5k don,t get you much new but still there are plenty you could find used, I would seriously consider a Pink Triangle anniversary I think one of the nicest matches for the sme V and iv there was alot of research done into the arm board and termination resulting in a great match. if you can get one it has the most superb midrange, a Townshend rock reference is a nice turntable too superb bass reproduction very stable sound and very detailed. Of the idler drive turntables a Thorens 124 is my fav superb add a Sme 9r and you have a very solid performer. The Sme model 10 can be a bit boring if used with a conventional Sme arm but add a M-9R and a spu and becomes a lovely turntable actually very musical I have heard this combination and it can produce a superb midrange and great texture rather good bass too. I would avoid Sme mode al 20/2 with Sme v can be a little too dry and boring. The sp10 can also sound great I particularly like it with a fidelity research fr64. The Orbe is still a good option as provides great value for money when you think of all the other nonsense out theere

Agreed re the SME Model 20, I put a Graham Phantom on mine, and the SME 5 on a Garrard 401.

[Vrajbasi]

Agreed re the SME Model 20, I put a Graham Phantom on mine, and the SME 5 on a Garrard 401.

I have always found sme arms very difficult to get right but can sound very good on the right deck, I dont use a sme V-12 on my sme 30/12 turntable but sounds great on my micro seiki my thales arm works well on the sme but not so good on the seiki.Neil always nice to see others who have multiple turntable would be rather boring living with one and the many arm cartridge combos make it even more fun. I managed to purchase a Graham Phantom elite 12" tonearm just mounted it on the 30/12 will be interesting to see what it does it terms of performance.

[nickbaba]

Lots to think about here, thank you for your thoughts everyone. Defo going to try and listen to some idlers... Thorens 124 was on my list... kind of discounted the LP12 as comments are mixed about them, some say they love the sound, others say don't believe the hype...
The 1210, while rock-solid, can sometimes sound a bit like a digital music player for that same reason, especially when listening to modern vinyl of digital recordings.. guess I'm looking for something more 'musical' altho' that's a pretty vague goal, I do realize.

[nickbaba]

So no love here for the Origin Live Resolution? Supposed to be a belt-drive with solid timing...?

[Bigman80]

If you want a belt drive I strongly suggest you get a VPI. I've not heard a better turntable with rubber motivation that the Scout.

There is currently a "Classic" on eBay which I think fits your budget and strongly suspect it to be a stellar performer based on the experience of the Scout.

Here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VPI-CLASSIC-2-TURNTABLE-with-ADS-psu-with-JMW-3D-printed-arm-with-lid/283118344234?hash=item41eb2b182a:g:sAsAAOSwALFbPH2 U

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[Bigman80]

Better ? Probably different sound/flavour. Both are damn good decks, built with application and intent to be so http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-TTS-8000.htmlNo doubt Robbie. Reason I ask is I still have a lust for a TTS8000. Just can't shake it!!!!!

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[RobbieGong]

No doubt Robbie. Reason I ask is I still have a lust for a TTS8000. Just can't shake it!!!!!

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Understandable Oliver,

It's a beautiful deck and takes a bit from the gorgeous PS-8750, (a deck i lusted after), but goes further in terms of streamlined electronics.

This though taken from the Vintage Knob blurb, makes it irresistible / very very appealing.....

'Sound-wise the TTS-8000 is rock solid and very clean from top to bottom : where the PS-X9 is a tank à la EMT, the 8000 is more subtle and "musical", fluid, laid-back while still clearly being a direct-drive.
As silly as this may sound, the 8000 is like the best of both belt-drive and direct-drive slants'.

[karma67]

can we please stop posting about it!:eek:

[RobbieGong]

can we please stop posting about it!:eek:

:lol: :D

[Vrajbasi]

If you want a belt drive I strongly suggest you get a VPI. I've not heard a better turntable with rubber motivation that the Scout.

There is currently a "Classic" on eBay which I think fits your budget and strongly suspect it to be a stellar performer based on the experience of the Scout.

Here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VPI-CLASSIC-2-TURNTABLE-with-ADS-psu-with-JMW-3D-printed-arm-with-lid/283118344234?hash=item41eb2b182a:g:sAsAAOSwALFbPH2 U

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I was going to suggest a TNT 3/4 or something depending what one can find like that they were great decks back in the day much prefer one to any Thorens 124 of garrard 401 and very universal with being able to put any arm on it. The only thing they seem a bit scarce these day I owned one from new years ago it was a big powerful sound you could try an air bearing arm on one as will easily acomadate it. Vpi turntables dont seem to be as fashionable these day but are certainly worth considering. The rock reference remains a good deck yes max is a little flaky but they can be serviced I know people who service they and the deck is actually very simple really just have to make sure the Subchassis is not cracked even then they can be recast I have been told, servicing an thorens 124 say would be far more complex as far as parts there is nothing complex about a Rock Reference. In the Rock Reference the bellows can be changed for the new Towshend pods the bearing is simple to get machined the motor is readily available. I suppose the only problem would be if one dropped and damaged the platter as would be hard to remanufacture. There are plenty of nice decks available and all offer a different flavour. The dealer I mainly use collects turntables personally and is all ways rotating his collection into what he is using its fascinating hearing all the differences and the impact a turntable, arm and cartridge makes on the overall picture. I also like the older Basis turntables like the ovation especially the original ones with the lead filled platter they had a warmth and power that was really nice I recently saw one that had been fully rebuilt by basis with the latest suspension etc for around 3k would be a great deck for sure. The classic combination would be a Basis and an vintage airtangent tonearm like a 2b. You can see with all the choice available its so easy to end up with more than one deck, I have four I mainly use with a few more stashed away that I dont mention as rarely get played theres no perfect answer it all about what floats your boat and we all are looking for different things.

[Bigman80]

Tt8000 in Japan. £800 (not include tax)

No plinth, no arm. Shall I???? [emoji848][emoji848][emoji848]

No, wrong time for me.

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[RobbieGong]

Tt8000 in Japan. £800 (not include tax)

No plinth, no arm. Shall I???? [emoji848][emoji848][emoji848]

No, wrong time for me.

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Likely 100v so step down would be required....

[karma67]

Tt8000 in Japan. £800 (not include tax)

No plinth, no arm. Shall I???? [emoji848][emoji848][emoji848]

No, wrong time for me.


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He’s got the plinth selling it separate

[Bigman80]

He’s got the plinth selling it separateGood god!!!!!!!



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[Bigman80]

Looking about £1300+ maybe after customs.

Too rich for me at the minute.

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[mikeyb]

Meanwhile over on Gumtree.........

https://www.gumtree.com/p/record-players-turntables/sony-tts-8000-turntable-with-plinth-and-cover/1312137063

[emoji6]

[Bigman80]

Meanwhile over on Gumtree.........

https://www.gumtree.com/p/record-players-turntables/sony-tts-8000-turntable-with-plinth-and-cover/1312137063

[emoji6]Ye I saw that but not the cleanest example I feel and it's a lot of money.

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[mikeyb]

Ye I saw that but not the cleanest example I feel and it's a lot of money.

Sent from my VKY-L09 using TapatalkYip my thoughts too

[nickbaba]

If you want a belt drive I strongly suggest you get a VPI. I've not heard a better turntable with rubber motivation that the Scout.

There is currently a "Classic" on eBay

There is a VPI Scout on ebay too, for half the price..? But both the VPIs come with VPI (JMW) arms... from a quick google it looks like it may not be that simple to fit other makes of arms to a VPI deck..?

[Vrajbasi]

There is a VPI Scout on ebay too, for half the price..? But both the VPIs come with VPI (JMW) arms... from a quick google it looks like it may not be that simple to fit other makes of arms to a VPI deck..?

The classic is a much better deck IMO just more like a proper VPI 3k with arm for that does not seem expensive for what it is the later JMW arm is quite a bit more dynamic sounding. There will be a bike hike in performance between the two.

I know of the JMW being fitted to other decks and working well the later JMW arms are quite nice sounding I owned a early one my TNT 3 in 94 and could never get it to work they perfected the design. I think VPI in general offer good value and quite sweet sounding buying new is tricky as they constantly upgrading them, the older tnt series are now quite sought after especially the single chassis version. The HRX was superb under rated turntable big bold and powerful very sweet too the 12" jmw sounded fantastic. I had one 4 years back sadly sold it as had no more space.

[Bigman80]

The turntable is designed with that arm, I found no reason on the Scout to change it.

For £3k this is a lot of turntable and personally, I can't see a downside. Other than spending £3k.

Take it from someone who is very critical, I really appreciated what it did and if I'm being completely honest, the Scout is the only turntable (other than the SP10) that completely disappeared when in use. There's probably others but it really didn't appear to influence anything. I was mega Impressed.

If you want an entirely trustworthy opinion, ask Jimbo. It was his scout I listened to for a few hours.


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[Vrajbasi]

The turntable is designed with that arm, I found no reason on the Scout to change it.

For £3k this is a lot of turntable and personally, I can't see a downside. Other than spending £3k.

Take it from someone who is very critical, I really appreciated what it did and if I'm being completely honest, the Scout is the only turntable (other than the SP10) that completely disappeared when in use. There's probably others but it really didn't appear to influence anything. I was mega Impressed.

If you want an entirely trustworthy opinion, ask Jimbo. It was his scout I listened to for a few hours.


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Scout is for sure a great deck VPI dont make bad one even the little HR19 JR 30 years back was lovely, the classic has more drive and sheer weight a audiphile is never stagnant, if the budget is tight than at £1600 for the ebay scout is fantastic, if one has has 3k the classic with the bigger psu and is bigger platter is a better bet you pays your money and so on.