Between lockdowns I had a couple of dems of the Rega P8 with Ania and Ania Pro cartridges respectively. The sound, insight and foot tapping involvement were sky high but the thing is that I just don’t like the stripped down, Caterham Seven-eque looks. I find that I much prefer the traditional fruit box styling of the LP12. Surprised that the OP hasn’t included the Notts Analogue Spacedeck on his (ever lengthening) short list.
The sound, insight and foot tapping involvement were sky high but the thing is that I just don’t like the stripped down, Caterham Seven-eque looks. I find that I much prefer the traditional fruit box styling of the LP12. Surprised that the OP hasn’t included the Notts Analogue Spacedeck on his (ever lengthening) short list.
Thanks mole man
Did you feel the ania pro was a warmer cartridge? Or was there not much difference between the 2
Cheers
Tony
p9/P9 are about as good as it gets for a traditional look imo, although IIRC there's nothing traditional looking about an NAS. I'm guessing the Naiad doesn't appeal also (although it's more Formula One).
Gyrodec is one of my favourite turntables. It comes in two variants, the “full” Gyro,W hi hi has a Perspex plinth & lid, or the SE version which is more “skeletal” , although you can add a lid or platter cover if you want.
It works really well with the Michell tecnoarm which is a Rega arm, modified by Michell. I’ve heard that TT/arm combo with MM carts such as an Ortofon 2mBlack, as well as more expensive MC carts such as an Ortofon Quintet, Cadenza & a Lyra Delos. It really is an excellent turntable which also looks ( imho) stunning.
It can be upgraded in stages by adding the optional HR power supply, or going to an SME iv or v arm, or also adding the Orbe platter, although when you do this, you lose the visuals of the Gyro. There are also 3rd party modifications to the suspension & a different platter, but I haven’t personally heard what that does.
I would strongly suggest a Gyro with the Tecnoarm, along with a cart & phono stage to fit into your budget. You can add the upgraded power supply or leave that for a later purchase.
You’d be looking at a £2.5k package & for me at that price, it is the one to beat.
Pm sentHow about a 1990 LP12 with Ekos arm and Sumiko Blue Point 2 cartridge? Mines going to waste.
My brother and I plan to have a dem of the full Gyro once this lockdown finishes. My brother is in the same position as the OP and is looking to buy a ‘forever’ turntable. I heard the Gyro SE over a decade or so ago (can’t recall the cartridge or system other than PMC speakers and maybe Naim amplification) but my impression was that the Gyro was really quite neutral to a fault. I know that I liked the looks and very nearly bought one but ultimately ended up with an entry level LP12 which I still have.
It is a beautful thing, I loved mine. I think here in the UK we still do high end engineering that's world class and I include hifi in that. Appreciate some people like to buy new and the small manufacturers really need some of us to do that, but you'd get a second hand NA Dais for about the same cash, and that is a seriously good turntable.
My brother and I recently went for that long awaited demo, and he made the uncharacteristically impulsive move of ordering a brand new Gyro, plus arm and cartridge - plus a rack to put it on! Delivery time was quoted as being six weeks, so he should have it in a few weeks. Pains me to admit it (as an LP12 owner) but it was the best sounding turntable I’ve ever heard…!!
You'll not really go wrong with a Gyrodec, excellent turntable , probably the best at that price IMHO