New Turntables from $1295 to $10K
A lot of exotic turntables were shown at CES 2009. However, there were several new 'tables of note that won't break the bank and promise to offer real sonic value. Following are the most significant offerings I saw:
The Clearaudio “Innovation Wood” ($10,000) with its Universal Arm ($5,000) and da Vinci cartridge ($5,500), coupled with Aesthetix electronics and Vandersteen Quattro speakers, had superb ambience and fine detail retrieval. The Innovation relies on a DC motor with an innovative optical speed controller, as well as a sandwiched PanzerHolz and aluminum tri-star plinth to reduce resonances. Like all Clearaudio ‘tables, including the entry-level Emotion ($1,400), it uses a Ceramic Magnetic Bearing(CMB) to float the platter,
The Pro-Ject Xtension ($6,000) moves that company into higher realms in terms of both performance and price. Like the Pro-Ject RM-10, it uses opposing rings of magnets to float the platter, but the Xtension also uses magnetic repulsion for its feet, too, and includes an integrated speed controller. It comes with a twelve-inch “Evolution” carbon fiber tonearm with a massive armboard and bearing block, and designer Heinz Lichtenegger says it offers “great trackability and isolation.”
Euro Audio Team (EAT) is best known for its outstanding tubes, but it was showing its “Forte” table with a strikingly beautiful, custom Ikeda twelve-inch tonearm ($8,000 sans arm; $19,000 with arm). It uses a decoupled dual motor system, oversized platter, and magnetic feet to help isolate and support the ‘table. Coupled with a Colibri cartridge, CAT electronics, and Hansen Prince v2 speakers, it produced an open, dynamic, natural sound, with gorgeous string tone, a large soundstage, and an overall sense of ease on a Stravinsky recording.
A couple of more modestly priced offerings caught my eye. The Clearaudio “Tradition” turntable ($3,200, or $3,800 with Satisfy Carbon Fiber arm), with its plinth of PanzerHolz sandwiched between aluminum, outboard motor, and Ceramic Magnetic bearing might be thought of as a mini-Ambient. This looks like "trickle down" technology that will offer real sonic benefits. Rega was also offering attractive system packages with its high-gloss P3-24 turntable, available in a variety of colors, with improved RB301 arm and a TT PSU speed controller for $1295. My testing with the P5 suggests the TT PSU is quite a worthwhile addition.
These look like great values at each of their respective price points.
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Comments
Did you get a chance to see the VPI Classic? It looks great.
Hi Fruff76,
I did not get a chance to see the VPI Classic at CES. Was it at T.H.E. Show?
It looks like another fine entrant from VPI in the value sweepstakes. I'll be interested in auditioning it.
Jim
Jim, I was not at the show but I've seen pictures of it from the show. I love the classic styling of it.
The addition of a dedicated power supply - be it a Valhalla type integrated one or the -all too few - outboards available, make a world of difference. I use a HEED - originally intended for a REGA - with my Systemdek IIX, and it now matches my old(stupidly sold) LP12. Mainly in the realms of solidity, stability and consistancy of replay. If I were buying again - and it was a REGA - I'd invest in the TT PSU.
Like Kris, I'd invest in the TT PSU if I were buying a Rega, too. Here's what I said in my review of the Rega P5 in TAS:
"However, when I added the TT PSU, the noise floor dropped still further, clarity improved slightly, and the bass gained more solidity. Additionally, you can also change the speed from 33 to 45 rpm at the push of a button. At $345, it's a bargain."
You can read the full Rega P5 review at: http://www.avguide.com/review/rega-p5-turntable-exact-phono-cartridge?page=1
I talked to HP on tuesday, and he has listened to the VPI Classic and was full of praise for it. I don't know the details of the sound, as that wasn't the purpose of the conversation. He also mentioned that VPI has a stainless steel arm option for the Classic that is beneficial with certain kinds of cartridges. Here is a picture of the Classic, FYI:
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CEO and Editorial Director, Nextscreen LLC
Thanks for the info. I pre-ordered one and will look into the stainless steel arm option.
"...several new tables of note that won't break the bank..."
First one out of the gate clocks in at a total of $20,500. And not one person even bats an eyelash. And this would be why audiophiles will always be considered self-righteous jack-offs with far more disposable income than dating experience. If only arbitrarily pissing away ungodly sums of money on a thing actually did make one an expert on that thing. Well, at least one can rest safely knowing that other audiophiles may think so.
If you buy new you can expect to pay top dollar. However, if you shop around and are prepared to bide your time good deals can be found.
I am an invalid pensioner and when I was working I was a road worker. Believe me I have heard all the negative comments about this hobby.
The thing is if you love to listen to music and want to hear it reproduced as well as possible this hobby can be very rewarding.
People spend 50-100K on a car and nobody bats an eye but if you spend that sort of money on hi-fi you're an idiot with too much money.
Some people like exotic cars. Some prefer alcohol and other drugs.Some people like to gamble. Me? I like to listen to music!
Many of the turntable offerings at CES were priced in the stratosphere and aimed at the luxury market. In comparison, the 'tables highlighted in this report were more "affordable." Admittedly, a $10K turntable will qualify as "excessive" is most all quarters. However, I wish that I had the disposable income to be able to afford the Clearaudio Innovation, because it looks like an advancement on their Anniversary 'table that I had the pleasure of auditioning for awhile. That 'table was competitive with turntables costing far more.
Like "rossop" I choose listening to music as a top priority, rather than driving exotic cars, flying airplanes, wearing fancy clothes, or drinking expensive bottles of wine. My wife loves that I have chosen this hobby because most of the time I'm listening right here at home. My daughters grew up listening with me to some of the finest music ever recorded. And yes, most of my audio purchases have been under $30.00 (namely, records & CDs).
Yes, I noticed the "don't break the bank" comment.I had to laugh. We can now determine what the awareness of what "breaks the bank" in some reviewer's opinions. Reviewers don't live in the real world: that's not their job. However, WE need to understand real world values. "Won't break the bank," gents, in the REALworld, means under $5k for turntables. $9k for speakers and 4k for cables (COMBINED!!!!) and preamps under 5k. Amps can be up to 6k. And that's about it!!!!!