transcriptors Hydraulic Reference Turntable

[majex45]

I have a friend who recently bought a Transcriptors Hydraulic Reference Turntable with Vestigial Arm & Goldring (G800?) cartridge at auction (jealous face).
It is in good condition but would benefit from some TLC: replacing the various fluids, replacing the Goldring cartridge, a clean & polish, new belt etc).
It is in generally good condition and the turntable goes round. It was a lot of money, I think, he bought it because it is beautiful.
Anyone recommend someone to do the service? Preferably in East Sussex as near Hastings as possible.
Also, what recommendations regarding replacement cartridge (new) and amplifier and speakers? Of the period or modern?
My thoughts were veering towards Naim, Audiolab, Musical Fidelity, & speakers from Spendor, Mission, KEF, Monitor Audio etc. and if that proves too exotic for him, then Marantz, Yamaha, Cambridge Audio.
It came with a cheap phono amp, what would you recommend as replacement?
He only has one LP at the moment (new, unplayed) and that is Scritty Polity so I'm guessing punk/pop and some classical.
I believe he has no hi-fi at the moment.

[willbewill]

Quad 33, quad 303, quad 57 speakers

[majex45]

That was my first thought. Thanks for the advice. I have seen a Quad setup but is is newer (504) it is local and uses Reference 103s rather than electrostatics. I've passed the details to my friend.
Other suggestions welcome.

[shane]

If you want to match the Transcriptors aesthetically as well as acoustically, Lecson AC1/AP1x or AP3 and Gale GS401As. Might have to wait for them to turn up, but we’ll worth the wait. Pricey though…

[majex45]

If you want to match the Transcriptors aesthetically as well as acoustically, Lecson AC1/AP1x or AP3 and Gale GS401As. Might have to wait for them to turn up, but we’ll worth the wait. Pricey though…

Lovely idea. I remember the Lecson power amps were cylindrical with flutes, but the preamp was a lacking a bit of eye appeal (although multi coloured).
I loved the GS401s when the came out but my friend will have to watch the woofers as they must be showing their age now as the foam surrounds perish.

These are exactly the ideas I was looking for, keep 'em coming.

[Macca]

Luxman L100 with Yamaha NS1000 or NS1000M ? All period correct and restored examples are available.

[majex45]

Thanks Macca,
Interesting suggestions. I've never heard any of them although a pair of NS1000(M?) came up in a local auction recently. The opening bid was higher than my budget although perhaps, not for my friend. I'll pass along any and all ideas.

[Barry]

Lovely idea. I remember the Lecson power amps were cylindrical with flutes, but the preamp was a lacking a bit of eye appeal (although multi coloured).
I loved the GS401s when the came out but my friend will have to watch the woofers as they must be showing their age now as the foam surrounds perish.

These are exactly the ideas I was looking for, keep 'em coming.

The Lecson pre was eye catching with its multi coloured sliders. It was a refresing change from the usual "box with knobs" that are most preamps. Neither the preamp or power amp were particularly reliable.

The only advice I can give is to change the awful "Vestigal" (sic) tone arm and replace it with something sensible, but that's not the advice your friend is looking for.

[Pigmy Pony]

I used to have one of these:

https://samuraiaudio.com/cdn/shop/files/57_972a58c3-07ca-4d6d-a13e-4378e8f39ebc.jpg?v=1727759401&width=823

Grace G707. It was a nice thing, and may be "age appropriate" for the Transcriptors. If you can find one.

[majex45]

I think he wants to keep it as original as possible but thanks for the information. I've tried googling Transcriptors Ltd and they have a website but there seem to be three addresses, has anyone dealt with them lately?

[helma]

I'm not sure the Transcriptors audio company exists anymore? They had some kind of connection with J.A. Mitchell at some point, who I think is still around and making turntables, so maybe him / his company could be of help if needed? I don't really have much idea what I'm talking about, I hope someone who knows better corrects me if I'm spouting nonsense :)

I think designwise the Hydraulic Reference is kinda out there but in a nice way, so that it could be paired with all kinds of hifi, period correct or modern, or vintage from a different period. But where does he want to go with it? Sound quality first? Bang for buck? Period-correct? Design / decor? British heritage?

I agree Luxman would work with the look well. For speakers I can think of a gazillion ways to go. Modern, I think omni-directional Duevels would go with the look well and the ones I heard did sound nice and being omni-directional they create an immersive sound stage more about the music being enjoyable all around the room (mostly) rather than in some tiny sweet spot for one person. There are also some cool omni-directional vintage designs (take JVC Globes for example) but sound could be hit or miss. Some of the more "high-tech" japanese designs from 70s/80s would also pair nicely, I'm thinking some Technics "honey comb" flat-plane speakers (SB-7, SB-6 etc.) or something like that.

Braun and B&O at least had some rather design oriented speakers which could provide a nice and clean look to make the Transcriptors really pop out :) What about Tandberg Fasetts :D Tiny funky looking 70s cubes, might sound like shite though, haven't heard a pair :D

[Lawrence001]

Is that the model from The Clockwork Orange? I think it attracts a premium for that reason.