Comparison of $700 turntable and $8,000 turntable. As you would expect.

Hey like anything "You Get What You Pay For"

There are "giant killers" in audio, and there are "overpriced" equipment as well, but my personal thoughts are that if you do your research, stick with well-known established brands with a solid track record, the "you get what you pay for" philosophy generally applies. (Even in the crazy world of audio equipment!)

Of course one should always listen before you buy, etc..

 

Well put.

 

Thanks a lot, Steve!

How ever I’ve bought a dutch copy of it.
We’ll see how it sounds …

 

Steve: I have a question that only someone like you can answer, even though it is subjective. Not many of us fanboys have access to the original tape or event. Your response will not sway me either way but what do you feel is more satisfying? Accuracy to the original tape or musicality towards your sonic priorities? Don't mean to jack your thread just that I feel it's more likely to be viewed by you as the OPer.

 

I promise. When I get the album.

 

Don't look now, but THE COTTON CLUB just went Platinum!

Back on-topic... I had the chance to listen to a 25k set-up once (at a friend's parent's house... he's a doctor) and the sound was like nothing I'd heard before (or since). I love my little rigs, but if I ever win the lottery rest asured I'm upgrading!

 

sure but not so sure if this pertains to music as much as hardware.

 

That cheap level is really holding back the performance of the table.

 

Steve,

I'm surprised at the title of your thread: "Comparison of $700 turntable and $8,000 turntable. As you would expect."

Without auditioning the two tables, why would you expect that the more expensive turntable would perform any better than the $700 table? If you have this bias going in, wouldn't the outcome also be biased?

Regards,

HG

 

It is a logical expectation given there are less price point compramises in the 8,000 dollar rig. That does not make it a given but certainly the expectation is a reasonable one.

 

Reading things like this make me think I am missing out on something because I'm not able to afford such elaborate gear.

My lowly Techiques TT and AT cart are left in the dust.

But alas, I did connect up my pair of Advent Meastro speakers this weekend and my tube amp sings with them.

Which brings to mind, what set-up did these two decks run through? You mention the phono stage but I am curious as to the outboard components and would these have any varibles to the performance between two different TT / cartridge combinations?

Just changing out my speakers gave me a sparkling sound where before it was lack luster. Maybe a silly question, I know.

 

Sorry, but, IMHO, unless you have listened to both tables hooked up to your specific system, in your specific listening room, with your specific ears, you should not prejudge the outcome of the results.

HG

 

It's very hard not to have expectations in this situation, nor is it unreasonable IMHO - particularly if it's based on experience.

 

In this situation I think it would be the arm/cartridge combination that would really matter the most. You never know, the Mac cartridge on the MMF arm may not work right at all, and vice versa.

 

Expectations are not a judgement.

 

Well maybe....but, expectations can certainly influence your judgement when you have not yet taken the time to accumulate all of the facts.

HG

 

Now Steve, I know that you are not a big fan of Ortofon, but the new carts (the 2M series) are really quite nice. I own a 2M Blue that I am very happy with. I am wondering what the Music Hall would sound like if you changed it to a 2M Bronze or the 2M Black? I am sure Ortofon would send you one to "audition", knowing it is you!

My 2M tracks really well, and sounds very balanced overall - and not bad in the midrange. I will be saving my pennies to upgrade tables in the next few years though, but I do intend to hold onto Blue. Your thoughts?

 

Wish I was in California, I'd just pop over and help!

Are there any volunteers in the Cali area to help Steve out?

 

In the city of angels, there has to be an audiophile angel out there to save the day!!!

 

Small needle-nose pliers are your friend