Can anyone advise me on buying a turntable?

[wizons]

If you've read some of my recent posts, you'll have gathered that I'm confused as to how I want to develop my system. I've mulled things over for some time and have decided to turn away from the big floorstander/equally big amp syndrome and am going to trial some standmount speakers over the summer (Harbeth M30.1s are my choice to date; I trialled some at a dealer a while ago and was impressed). I intend to keep the Quad 909 and have it serviced by Quad. As I've said before, I've tried several power amps recently, including big SS jobs etc and I think that provided the amp matches the speaker, it makes minimal difference per se.

Anyway, I recently part exchanged some B&Ws for a pair of Icon Audio monoblocks with a great dealer, but decided not to keep the Icons. So, that leaves me with a not altogether inconsiderable sum to spend with the dealer. I'm coming to the conclusion that I'd like to give vinyl a spin - my collection of LPs dates from the 70s and 80s (classical ands prog rock) and it would be great fun to buy a decent turntable, clean the vinyl and relive the good times.

The dealer in question has a current model 2nd hand Michell Orbe SE for sale and I could buy this and afford a decent phono stage. What do you reckon to the Orbe SE? Is this a good move? They also have some 2nd hand phono stages going, eg, Icon Audios PS3 and the Eastern Electric Minimax.

To be honest, I can't see vinyl beating well implemented digital with classical music, but I'm going to hold off buying new digital kit as the technology is changing so quickly. Besides, this is much more fun.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

 

[vacdac]

The Orbe + Icon Audio ps3 would be a final statement TT for many. If your vinyl collection is already of a fairly decent size then also budgeting for a decent RCM would make for a smart move too. The Icon phonos also have a proper mono switch, which is all too rare on modern phono stages & an extremely useful feature I've found. If your vinyl collection features records from the 60/70's then it could be an important feature & will save the expense of a dedicated mono cart.

lpgear in the States still have BNIB/NOS Audio Technica OC9ml ii lomc carts on for $295, which is a real steal. Its still competetive with current carts at up to £5/600 & could help you allocate funds elsewhere to budget for everything you initially need.

 

[horace]

As an Orbe owner myself, I say go for it. I'll never change mine.

Haven't heard the PS3, but the Minimax is astonishingly good IMHO.

I think an Orbe / Minimax combo could leave your CDP standing idle for a while....

Go on, you know you want to...

Martin

 

[graham67]

lpgear in the States still have BNIB/NOS Audio Technica OC9ml ii lomc carts on for $295, which is a real steal. Its still competetive with current carts at up to £5/600 & could help you allocate funds elsewhere to budget for everything you initially need.

That is good deal (assuming you avoid import duty). The older MLii is a bit higher spec than the current MLiii. I have one and it is a nice cart. And at that price is mega value. It is a doddle to set up, works well with pop and rock and tracks really well which is good if you have an old collection from when you were of an age when (perhaps) not so inclined to look after one's vinyl as one does when one gets older

 

[wizons]

The Orbe + Icon Audio ps3 would be a final statement TT for many. If your vinyl collection is already of a fairly decent size then also budgeting for a decent RCM would make for a smart move too. The Icon phonos also have a proper mono switch, which is all too rare on modern phono stages & an extremely useful feature I've found. If your vinyl collection features records from the 60/70's then it could be an important feature & will save the expense of a dedicated mono cart. lpgear in the States still have BNIB/NOS Audio Technica OC9ml ii lomc carts on for $295, which is a real steal. Its still competetive with current carts at up to £5/600 & could help you allocate funds elsewhere to budget for everything you initially need.

I know very little about turntables and haven't played one since the mid 1980s (a Dual CS505), so what's a RCM? As I say the vinyl dates back to the early 70s (Led Zep, Deep Purple, ELP, Yes etc) and into the 80s and hasn't been played for years. I've checked it visually and most of it looks Ok. Is it likely to scrub up well? I Don't really ant to so this if the vinyl I've got is unplayable.

The Orbe SE in question is fitted with a RB300. Is this OK to start with? Indeed, can the Orbe SE take a 12inch arm, which I gather is supposed to be better (one bad thing I remember about vinyl is end-of-side-distrortion, which alone could wreck many a classical recording)? I will need to buy a cartridge, so keep your suggestions coming.

 

[SCIDB]

Hi,

A RCM is a record cleaning machine.

SCIDB

 

[rabski]

Orbe plus Minimax is a fantastic combination. In fact, the Minimax punches way above its weight IME. Like their DAC, it's a rather lovely little thing.

The RB300 is a very, very decent arm too.

If you're into prog and similar, then maybe stick with a really good MM cart that tracks well. The Audio Note IQ series or similar are a good starting point and probably better trackers than cheap MC jobs. Plus they don't emphasise clicks and pops and are nicely dynamic.

 

[bandit pilot]

RCM=Record cleaning machine. I've just invested in a Okki Nokki and have no regrets. The difference it has made to some of mine is amazing. :^

 

[vacdac]

RCM=Record Cleaning Machine, vacuum ones are the best for this no question as they effectively remove all the crud.

If the condition looks good it should come up a treat on a vacuum RCM, which well lessen surface noise & clicks/pops pretty effectively. Often stuff that looks totally pristine will still exhibit these nasties.

The OC9 would be a decent match on the RB300 I reckon as mine worked extremely well on my previous Technoarm which is a ground up fundamental rebuild of the RB250. Higher mass carts don't seem the happiest match on Rega arms IMV/IME. Yes the Rega is a more than capable starter arm, just not as widely compatible as some people seem to think. Well matched with a cart tho' its pretty damn good & I like 'em. :^

Here's the lpgear linky http://www.lpgear.com/product/ATC01.html

 

[wizons]

Oh well. This is all academic now as the dealewr has already sold the Orbe SE and one of the phono stages. Back to the drawing board. It's a shame as this is one hifi purchase that would be fun rather than mildly stressful.

 

[hullevad]

If You really want some "Bang for Your GBP" I can state that the following turntable is outstanding: Lenco L75! Please take at look how it can be done at www.troelsgravesen.dk . The original arm MUST be replaced with a Jelco. According to Arthur Salvatore it is just as good as a Forsell airbearing turntable! Denon makes some very affordable MC pickups! The DL-S1 and 301mk2 works very good with this combination. Expect to pay from USD 250 to 1000 a piece (bought both of mine for 750). I have used a Jasmine LP 2.0SE (very good when output caps changed to Jantzen silver-golds) before but has upgraded to "The Grail", it is better but with a hefty price tag.

 

[struth]

srm do an upgrade for the rb250 arm which does improve things dramatically..not expensive either. makes the rear of the arm heavier so may make it happier with higher mass cartridges too.

 

[Guest]

Oh go on then Technics SL1210mk2... :shock:

 

[rockmeister]

Shame about the Orbe, as it is certainly a very good sounding deck.

What's your Vinyl like condition wise, and what's your collection consist of?

Asking because there a HOST of great decks around for the budget I'm guessing you have...

Japanese direct drives of various makes (deck only and add a rega or Jelco arm)

Townshend Rock MK11 with any arm as long as it uses the oil damping

HEY...I just remembered RABSKI is selling a VOYD...pm him quick! Silly money for a masterpiece of a deck!!!

Honest. Miss that and weep.

 

[Frizzy brizzy]

Agree completely about the Voyd, add a ten inch arm, 12 won't fit and maybe a nice Reson Reca mm cart, which is superb value esp as it takes goldring 1042 replacement styli, cheap as chips to replace.

And I heard that combo on the 3 motor version, never knew a mm cartridge could sound so good. Kevin at definitive loves that setup, I think that's what he had at home for a while.

 

[Radioham]

I would be carefulll with the older Vinyl, as the quality of pressing were quite bad during the 70/80s with 2nd hand recycled plastic , warped pressing, off centre holes .Plus the turntables at the time and cartridges could be a bit iffy. I recently inherited about 150 LPs from a friend who took good care of his records, and used a GL75 with Shure M95ED, and I purchased a technics SL1210 with Audio Technica to replace the DJ Grado, and although its been an interesting experience, I would say I much prefer CD, unless you buy some recent Audiophile Pressings. So my advice is not to spend too much initially especially on the Cartridge and Preamp unless you are convinced that the records are worth it.

If you are into classical, I think you may find the wow and flutter may drive you mad compared to the note purity of a digital source.

 

[johnniebaby]

I would be carefulll with the older Vinyl, as the quality of pressing were quite bad during the 70/80s with 2nd hand recycled plastic , warped pressing, off centre holes .Plus the turntables at the time and cartridges could be a bit iffy. I recently inherited about 150 LPs from a friend who took good care of his records, and used a GL75 with Shure M95ED, and I purchased a technics SL1210 with Audio Technica to replace the DJ Grado, and although its been an interesting experience, I would say I much prefer CD, unless you buy some recent Audiophile Pressings. So my advice is not to spend too much initially especially on the Cartridge and Preamp unless you are convinced that the records are worth it.If you are into classical, I think you may find the wow and flutter may drive you mad compared to the note purity of a digital source.

Not my experience at all.

 

[Emma Royd]

Not my experience at all.

Nor mine

 

[Von Krolock]

Nor mine

Same here.

Many modern decks sound solid & stable with hardly any detectable speed variation & classical LPs can sound superb.