Buying new TT: Suggestions - Blu-ray Forum

Intamin · 04-29-2009, 08:47 PM

I hooked up my el cheapo turn table again today that I bought last year as an experiment into vinyl and forgot how much I enjoyed the sound. In light of this recent return to vinyl, I've decided that a new TT is in store for this summer. Budget is $1500, new or used. I honestly know nothing about shopping for TT, so I'll take any advice I can get. PS, that 1500 budget includes the arm/cartridge. So please give me products that I can start researching, thanks!

rded · 04-29-2009, 09:51 PM

I am by no means a TT expert. I am auditioning just like you but VPI SCOUT is a great TT http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83516

I believe Gremal and BTF1980 have this TT.

naturephoto1 · 04-29-2009, 09:52 PM

Hi Alex,

I know before he had to cancel his order, John was leaning toward the Marantz TT 15S1. Here is a link to Music Direct standard version for $1595:

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/73850

Music Direct also has a Demo unit for $1395:

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83125

If it were me, I spend the $200 for the new unit.

You may also want to consider the VPI Scout Turntable B stock for $1399:

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83516

But, you would still need a Cartridge such as the Dynavector 10X5 MC PHONO CARTRIDGE for $395:

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/73379

Others can give other suggestions.

Rich

Big Daddy · 04-29-2009, 09:57 PM

Needle Doctor has many good selections. Start by reading some of the turntable reviews:

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-S...ntable-Reviews

Johnny Vinyl · 04-29-2009, 11:07 PM

Hi Alex,

Rich is correct in that I had to indeed cancel my order for the Marantz TT-15S1. It is a serious turntable and you could do worse than choosing a package this complete. Additionally it comes with a 3-year warranty and you should know this TT is part of their Reference line, which is highly regarded.

Look at TT's from Rega, Pro-ject, MusicHall, VPI(yes!) and perhaps some of the Thorens tables, although I've personally never been a fan.

Good luck in your search and when you do find one, be sure to post it in my The Official TURNTABLE Owner's Thread , which I started a few days ago.

John

Intamin · 04-29-2009, 11:54 PM

It looks like I'll probably end up ordering the Marantz from music direct or audioadvisor sometime this summer then. The other option is the VPI if I can find a good deal. I also was sort of looking at the Music Hall 7.1, any thoughts on it?

Johnny Vinyl · 04-30-2009, 12:32 AM

The MusicHall 7.1 is a fine alternative and I do like the fact it is a slightly heaver TT and incorporates a Carbon Fibre tonearm. I also like that the on/off switch is on top, as opposed to the Marantz, which may be slightly problematic if not carefull. However, I do beleive that Marantz offers a superior cartridge ($900 value), which is one of the things that makes this TT such a great buy. From an aesthetic point of view I like both, but I would have to give the edge to the Marantz.

I'll let our resident TT experts involve you a little more about either TT or another choice.

John

richteer · 04-30-2009, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

The MusicHall 7.1 is a fine alternative and I do like the fact it is a slightly heaver TT and incorporates a Carbon Fibre tonearm. I also like that the on/off switch is on top, as opposed to the Marantz, which may be slightly problematic if not carefull. However, I do beleive that Marantz offers a superior cartridge ($900 value), which is one of the things that makes this TT such a great buy. From an aesthetic point of view I like both, but I would have to give the edge to the Marantz.

I'll let our resident TT experts involve you a little more about either TT or another choice.

John

My local audio dealer has one of the Marantz tables you were looking at. If my vinyl-centric mag ever takes off, I'll arrange to borrow the TT for a review.

Intamin · 04-30-2009, 03:01 AM

http://www.needledoctor.com/Clearaud...=2&category=45 I like the looks of this one, and can order it locally (I think). How would this compare if I got a good cartridge?

Johnny Vinyl · 04-30-2009, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intamin

http://www.needledoctor.com/Clearaud...=2&category=45 I like the looks of this one, and can order it locally (I think). How would this compare if I got a good cartridge?

The Marantz is based on that table, so they are essentially the same unit with a few exceptions.

The feet on the Marantz are upgraded from what you see on the Clearaudio Emotion. This gives the TT more stability. Also, if you include the price of the Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood body cartridge (a $900 value), the Marantz comes out ahead in my opinion. Add a $900 cartridge to the Emotion and you're looking at well beyond the price of the Marantz.

I'm really not trying to sell you on the Marantz, because there are plenty of really good TT's around, but the value is undeniable and it's performance for you will knock your socks off.

John

Intamin · 04-30-2009, 03:30 AM

Then it sounds like I should probably stick with the marantz...I think I can actually order that from my dealer where I first bought my original equipment, so that'll work out.

naturephoto1 · 04-30-2009, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intamin

Then it sounds like I should probably stick with the marantz...I think I can actually order that from my dealer where I first bought my original equipment, so that'll work out.

Alex,

Though I haven't seen the Marantz, as John has mentioned, you are getting a package deal with a better cartridge than the less expensive Clearaudio table. Clearaudio teamed up with Marantz on the Marantz Turntable.

Rich

Johnny Vinyl · 04-30-2009, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Alex,

Though I haven't seen the Marantz, as John has mentioned, you are getting a package deal with a better cartridge than the less expensive Clearaudio table. Clearaudio teamed up with Marantz on the Marantz Turntable.

Rich

It's getting a little late and I have to work in the morning, but I'll try to dig up some info as to how this whole Marantz project got started. It's quite interesting actually and has given me a whole different or new-found respect for a company that has been one of the pioneers in high end audio (an often forgotten fact).

John

naturephoto1 · 04-30-2009, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

It's getting a little late and I have to work in the morning, but I'll try to dig up some info as to how this whole Marantz project got started. It's quite interesting actually and has given me a whole different or new-found respect for a company that has been one of the pioneers in high end audio (an often forgotten fact).

John

True, however, the Marantz of today has little or nothing to do with the Marantz company started and founded by Saul Marantz.

Rich

Johnny Vinyl · 04-30-2009, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

True, however, the Marantz of today has little or nothing to do with the Marantz company started and founded by Saul Marantz.

Rich

Agreed!

John

Intamin · 04-30-2009, 02:33 PM

My preamp has a phone imput, but I think that since I'm getting a new TT, I might as well get a separate phono preamp, so any recs to go with the Marantz?

Johnny Vinyl · 04-30-2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intamin

My preamp has a phone imput, but I think that since I'm getting a new TT, I might as well get a separate phono preamp, so any recs to go with the Marantz?

Hi Alex,

The current issue of TONE Magazine has a review of 2 new phono amps by Cambridge Audio. One sells for $99, but is only MM (Moving Magnet) capable and the other sells for $179, but also handles MC (Moving Coil) cartridges. There are a few other differences as well, so read the review. TONE liked the units and were dutifully impressed.

If you go to the usual suspect sites like Acoustic Sounds, Elusive Disc, MusicDirect, Jerry Raskin's Needle Doctor, you'll find a host of phono amps in all price ranges. I'd say for the Marantz TT, something around the $200-$500 mark would sound superb with it. I myself have a less expensive Tonar Vinyline phono amp (relatively new company out of The Netherands) and have been pleased with it's performance. I wouldn't hesitate however to get something better next time.

John

FreddieFerric · 05-01-2009, 12:02 AM

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83540

Johnny Vinyl · 05-01-2009, 02:50 PM

^^^^^^nice find!

John

Intamin · 05-04-2009, 11:34 PM

Quick update: Dropping my budget to 1k or less as I want to use the $600 extra I was going to spend on the Marantz to pick up my matching center channel as I've decided to hold off on new speakers. This will also allow me to purchase a ps audio PPP and amp all within my summer budget. So, I'm thinking a Pro-Ject RM-5, a Music Hall 5.1, or a Cambridge Audio TT550. What do you guys think, and if there are others I'm still open to suggestions. Plan is to purchase in within a month or so.

04-29-2009, 08:47 PM	#1
Intamin Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Houston Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:318	Buying new TT: Suggestions I hooked up my el cheapo turn table again today that I bought last year as an experiment into vinyl and forgot how much I enjoyed the sound. In light of this recent return to vinyl, I've decided that a new TT is in store for this summer. Budget is $1500, new or used. I honestly know nothing about shopping for TT, so I'll take any advice I can get. PS, that 1500 budget includes the arm/cartridge. So please give me products that I can start researching, thanks!

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Suggestions for buying Blus	Blu-ray Movies - North America	jcarugati	12	02-18-2010 07:36 AM
Suggestions	Feedback Forum	Elvis	3	12-17-2009 07:07 PM
Buying a blu-ray is like buying a box of cereal with no ingredient labels.	Blu-ray Movies - North America	tron3	89	05-31-2009 07:20 AM
Two suggestions	Feedback Forum	JamesKurtovich	2	01-07-2009 09:19 PM
buying Blu-ray now Vs. buying in Dec??	Blu-ray Players and Recorders	Deansbaby	12	05-26-2008 06:41 PM

04-29-2009, 09:51 PM	#2
rded Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2008 Location:555 Naim Street Blu-ray collection:254 Trading Score:1	I am by no means a TT expert. I am auditioning just like you but VPI SCOUT is a great TT http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83516 I believe Gremal and BTF1980 have this TT.

04-29-2009, 09:52 PM	#3
naturephoto1 Blu-ray Ninja Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Breinigsville, PA Home Theater Gallery:260 4K collection:21 Blu-ray collection:263	Hi Alex, I know before he had to cancel his order, John was leaning toward the Marantz TT 15S1. Here is a link to Music Direct standard version for $1595: http://www.musicdirect.com/product/73850 Music Direct also has a Demo unit for $1395: http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83125 If it were me, I spend the $200 for the new unit. You may also want to consider the VPI Scout Turntable B stock for $1399: http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83516 But, you would still need a Cartridge such as the Dynavector 10X5 MC PHONO CARTRIDGE for $395: http://www.musicdirect.com/product/73379 Others can give other suggestions. Rich

04-29-2009, 09:57 PM	#4
Big Daddy Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Southern California Home Theater Gallery:79 Blu-ray collection:122 Trading Score:1	Needle Doctor has many good selections. Start by reading some of the turntable reviews: http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-S...ntable-Reviews

04-29-2009, 11:07 PM	#5
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	Hi Alex, Rich is correct in that I had to indeed cancel my order for the Marantz TT-15S1. It is a serious turntable and you could do worse than choosing a package this complete. Additionally it comes with a 3-year warranty and you should know this TT is part of their Reference line, which is highly regarded. Look at TT's from Rega, Pro-ject, MusicHall, VPI(yes!) and perhaps some of the Thorens tables, although I've personally never been a fan. Good luck in your search and when you do find one, be sure to post it in my The Official TURNTABLE Owner's Thread , which I started a few days ago. John

04-29-2009, 11:54 PM	#6
Intamin Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Houston Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:318	It looks like I'll probably end up ordering the Marantz from music direct or audioadvisor sometime this summer then. The other option is the VPI if I can find a good deal. I also was sort of looking at the Music Hall 7.1, any thoughts on it?

04-30-2009, 12:32 AM	#7
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	The MusicHall 7.1 is a fine alternative and I do like the fact it is a slightly heaver TT and incorporates a Carbon Fibre tonearm. I also like that the on/off switch is on top, as opposed to the Marantz, which may be slightly problematic if not carefull. However, I do beleive that Marantz offers a superior cartridge ($900 value), which is one of the things that makes this TT such a great buy. From an aesthetic point of view I like both, but I would have to give the edge to the Marantz. I'll let our resident TT experts involve you a little more about either TT or another choice. John

04-30-2009, 03:01 AM	#9
Intamin Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Houston Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:318	http://www.needledoctor.com/Clearaud...=2&category=45 I like the looks of this one, and can order it locally (I think). How would this compare if I got a good cartridge?

04-30-2009, 03:30 AM	#11
Intamin Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Houston Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:318	Then it sounds like I should probably stick with the marantz...I think I can actually order that from my dealer where I first bought my original equipment, so that'll work out.

04-30-2009, 02:33 PM	#16
Intamin Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Houston Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:318	My preamp has a phone imput, but I think that since I'm getting a new TT, I might as well get a separate phono preamp, so any recs to go with the Marantz?

05-01-2009, 12:02 AM	#18
FreddieFerric Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Mar 2008 Location:NOLA Home Theater Gallery:146 4K collection:14 Blu-ray collection:238 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:1	http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83540

05-01-2009, 02:50 PM	#19
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	^^^^^^nice find! John

05-04-2009, 11:34 PM	#20
Intamin Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Houston Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:318	Quick update: Dropping my budget to 1k or less as I want to use the $600 extra I was going to spend on the Marantz to pick up my matching center channel as I've decided to hold off on new speakers. This will also allow me to purchase a ps audio PPP and amp all within my summer budget. So, I'm thinking a Pro-Ject RM-5, a Music Hall 5.1, or a Cambridge Audio TT550. What do you guys think, and if there are others I'm still open to suggestions. Plan is to purchase in within a month or so.

Best iTunes Music Deals