My current table has been on the blink for a while and the plan is to take it to be repaired over the weekend. If I'm really lucky and it's something super-simple I might be able to bring it back with me but in all likelihood it will be away for a bit. Regardless, I like the idea of having a backup table so am on the lookout for something.
I have a particular predilection for direct-drive (ergo Japanese) so I'm looking for one of these. Some models would appeal more than others, but it's really a question of what's about. I'd like a complete unit and not something sans-tonearm because I don't really want to go down the rabbit hole and/or be messing about fitting arms for what is almost certainly to be a back-up table.
I'm quite intrigued by linear trackers and something like a Technics SL-10 (and similar models) could be beneficial for storage reasons due to the smaller footprint. I've become something of a Luxman fan of late and would doubtless be enamored with one of their DD machines. I appreciate that the Japanese weren't the only purveyors of DD tables so would be willing to consider something like a Dual too. I'd rather something that was mid-range upwards i.e. I'd rather steer clear of the lower-end machines if possible.
The inevitable (and understandable!) question will be "what's the budget?" In all honesty I wasn't planning to spend a huge amount but I could be tempted to spend a bit more depending on the table. Put it this way: as much as the idea of owning a Kenwood L-07D, a Technics SL-1000 (or any other equivalent juggernaut) appeals, the asking price for such machines is likely to be an order of magnitude more than I'm willing to shell out right now!
So I'm interested in hearing what's out there and go from there....
I have a particular predilection for direct-drive (ergo Japanese) so I'm looking for one of these. Some models would appeal more than others, but it's really a question of what's about. I'd like a complete unit and not something sans-tonearm because I don't really want to go down the rabbit hole and/or be messing about fitting arms for what is almost certainly to be a back-up table.
I'm quite intrigued by linear trackers and something like a Technics SL-10 (and similar models) could be beneficial for storage reasons due to the smaller footprint. I've become something of a Luxman fan of late and would doubtless be enamored with one of their DD machines. I appreciate that the Japanese weren't the only purveyors of DD tables so would be willing to consider something like a Dual too. I'd rather something that was mid-range upwards i.e. I'd rather steer clear of the lower-end machines if possible.
The inevitable (and understandable!) question will be "what's the budget?" In all honesty I wasn't planning to spend a huge amount but I could be tempted to spend a bit more depending on the table. Put it this way: as much as the idea of owning a Kenwood L-07D, a Technics SL-1000 (or any other equivalent juggernaut) appeals, the asking price for such machines is likely to be an order of magnitude more than I'm willing to shell out right now!
So I'm interested in hearing what's out there and go from there....