Posted by Jody Thornton [ 24.150.122.55 ] on December 31, 2005 at 00:49:36:

In Reply to: Buying a turntable posted by Anonymous on December 04, 2005 at 21:15:58:

I would have to STRONGLY disagree with the advice you've been given of the Technics MK/x series as an audiophile choice. They are as much as $700.00 /cdn and it is a good table. Don't get me wrong. But what you are paying for is a high-torque, quick startup motor (ideal for slip and back queing), sturdiness, and handling. It needs to be able to withstand some nasty environments.

But most of the cartridges it is meant to work with are meant to track heavier, and use conical styli, which don't track high frequencies as well. You want either eliptical, or if you're rich - van den hul, nde eliptical, or the like.

What you are looking for is a simple, easy to use platter that allows your vinyl to come to life, and your absolute best pressings to rival digital. You'll be left in the cold with the Technics.

If you're looking new, I would check out Pro-Ject's line. I'm not allowed to say who local dealers are, but there are some near Hamilton, Ontario - where I'm from. Even one model comes with a pretty decent Ortofon cartridge (about $350.00). And there are speed box options, so that if you have 45s, you don't have to manipulate the external belt.

Cheers,
Jody Thornton

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