TT dilemma

Hi Guys

Now I have gone and done it!! On a whim I have listened to a Linn LP12 through an all Linn system (nice and detailed but lacking in oomph) and also a Michell Gyro (thanks Ray) which I liked a lot. I currently run a Rega P3 with a denon DL110 with a Heed Orbit through Exposure super Xv and Epos ES14 speakers which now sounds rather lacking. Now I have the bug to change the TT, but with only >£500 to spend this puts me in a quandary, there is so much choice I don't know here to start. Should I save my money and look at the higher end TT like the Michell, NAS etc in the future OR Look at tweaking the rega OR try to get a good secondhand TT? What would you do? Somewhat perplexed …paul

 

I'm no turntable expert but have just changed from an LP12 to a Garrard 401 in my own high mass plinth and it's real 'bloody hell ' sort of difference. Gone is the smooth but (for me) uninvolving delivery of the Linn and in comes power, immediacy, dynamism, excitement.

Now this isn't the whole story entirely as I also have a radical change of arm and cartrdge etc, and my LP12 was an early completely original unmodified one, but maybe a direct drive deck might be an option if you want some oomph?

 

Modded 2nd hand SL1200 perhaps?

 

TBH, unless you are prepared to go for something s/h (and even then...), you'll be pushed to find a significant improvement on the P3 for much under £500. They are very good for the money. Also, I wouldn't bother tweaking the Rega - assuming you've got it well sited. Various Technics decks have their fans on here but you'd need to consider a plinth - there are bargains to be had but anything requiring modding carries some risk.

What I did was canibalised my P3 for the arm and watched ebay like a hawk until a Gyro came up for a price I was prepared to pay. I picked up a 2004 SE model with the full Orbe upgrade kit and VC power supply for less than £800, so a 'standard' model may well be achievable for £5-600 if you have a lucky day. Dont fall victim to upgradeitis - better to aim for what you want!