Best turntable under $1000

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by Jello

What do you guys think of this deal. Used
VPI Scout T/T with a modded Rega RB300 arm. Mods include: Expressimo 2 HEX-TREME locking end stub, upgraded lower locking nut, blue metal VTA adjuster, Expressimo Heavyweight, 2X-treme rewire by expressimo. Arm has every mod available from expressimmo. Cartridge is a Dynavector 10x5 with low hours.
One year old. What would it be worth?

Thoughts?

What is the asking price?

Rich

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Jello

What do you guys think of this deal. Used
VPI Scout T/T with a modded Rega RB300 arm. Mods include: Expressimo 2 HEX-TREME locking end stub, upgraded lower locking nut, blue metal VTA adjuster, Expressimo Heavyweight, 2X-treme rewire by expressimo. Arm has every mod available from expressimmo. Cartridge is a Dynavector 10x5 with low hours.
One year old. What would it be worth?

Thoughts?

I've always been a bit dubious about buying used TTs and cartridges. They're very easily damaged, so unless you know the history very well (or the seller), you never know what damage might've been done to them. If you proceed with a urchase, make sure ALL the original packaging is available--and used!

The arm sound like a great buy, however! My first arm was a re-wired RB300 too (though not quite as tricked out as the one you mention). Provided the price is right, of course...

[naturephoto1]

As Rich has indicated, the Rega RB300 is a good arm. I have a stock one on my old Thorens 125 MKII Turntable; but I am upgrading the turntable and tonearm dramatically. In its "tricked out" form and rewired, it is quite good for its price and the rewired and "tricked out" RB250 are better still. These tonearms used to be considered "giant killers" though not as good as the really high end and expensive tonearms they were extremely good for their cost.

The VPI Scout is a very good entry level plus high end turntable and the cartridge is quite respectable. The turntable alone I believe listed for about $1800+ (possibly as much as about $2,000).

So, if as Rich indicates you know the seller and the history and the way that this set-up has been cared for, it could be a very good purchase for the right price. All told the list price on all of the equipment may be about $2500 new.

Rich

[Jello]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

What is the asking price?

Rich

Asking price is $1300 Canadian
I believe the list price for a new table is $1800 but comes with a $900 JMW-9 arm so I am assuming this table is worth $900 new. I haven't a clue what the arm is worth with all the mods. I see the cartridge is worth $400, but for all I know could be at it's end of life, which is why I am asking for advice.

Maybe I would be better off sticking with new...

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by coralfangs

Right now, Im just using a Technics SL1200
When I get my first pay cheque at age 35, I will definitely invest in a proper audiophile turntable

As a very happy owner of a Technics SL 1210 mk5 I feel obliged to vote this as the worst post of this new millenia.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by Jello

Asking price is $1300 Canadian
I believe the list price for a new table is $1800 but comes with a $900 JMW-9 arm so I am assuming this table is worth $900 new. I haven't a clue what the arm is worth with all the mods. I see the cartridge is worth $400, but for all I know could be at it's end of life, which is why I am asking for advice.

Maybe I would be better off sticking with new...

Here is a B-stock VPI Scout with the JMW-9 tonearm from Music Direct; the list of the B-Stock is $1,800 US, but they are selling it for $1399 US (no cartridge included though):

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

I personally had excellent luck with my Thorens 125 MKII that I purchased as a dealer demo back in 1977. I replaced the tonearm twice and the Turntable is still working till this day. Just something to consider.

Rich

[Suntory_Times]

Originally Posted by John72953

+1. And by a longshot!

John

+3, remember he said he usses his PS3 for cd playback so he doesn't have a high end digital source (hell, I think you can pick up $100 turntables that sound better then cd playback on the ps3).

[coralfangs]

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

As a very happy owner of a Technics SL 1210 mk5 I feel obliged to vote this as the worst post of this new millenia.

Well, while it's a very capable turntable, its SQ still won't match the ones found on high end turntable.
I will definitely get one with magnetically or air suspended plate when I have enough spare cash.

[Jello]

Thank you all for your input. I ended up getting the Goldring GR2. It comes with a Goldring 1012 cartridge and already I am thinking up upgrading the stylus with a 1042...the upgrade bug never ends does it?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Jello

Thank you all for your input. I ended up getting the Goldring GR2. It comes with a Goldring 1012 cartridge and already I am thinking up upgrading the stylus with a 1042...the upgrade bug never ends does it?

Congratulations! And NO ....it never ends!

Now that you have your TT, consider getting a Phono Stage (pre-amp). You can pick one up for around $150, maybe less. It will open up your cartridge and your TT will sounds almost twice as good!

John

[Jello]

I am using the NAD right now, but some of the highs are a bit harsh which I think points to the cart (or stylus)...supposedly with this cart you can just plug in a upgraded stylus and get better top end. Or maybe just a limitation of MM carts?

[Mutato]

I use a Numark TTX1 turntable and Stanton cartridges. I think I paid about $600 for it quite a few years ago. I'd recommend it, even though I'm not sure if they even make them any more.

[dearth]

Rega RP1 - Love mine!