How many people run dual (or more, or dual arm) turntables in their system, and what are your reasons/experiences?
I’ve decided to play around with adding my second turntable back into the main system. It’s an original Rega Planar 3 that I have had since new and I upgraded it a few years ago with a service, new belt, Exact MM cart and a Neo PS, through a Rega MM Phono - so sitting around a RP6 level now. It was set-up with a Star in the games room, but was rarely getting used. I liked the idea of having the option to use it in the main system, just for nostalgic and a different sound presentation and a bit of fun really.
Sonically, it’s not a match to my LP12 (circa Seleck level), but that’s not really the point. The Rega has a low residual noise level but has a real punch and an appealing top end -it’s a very nice listen. The LP12 is dead silent, more detailed, more defined bass and cohesion, very detailed and engaging.
I’m hoping having both will be fun. The Rega does go nice with the old vinyl, the LP12 is a much more refined experience on good recordings.
I also succeeded in setting it all up with existing gear, so at no cost, which is satisfying in itself.
I thought it would fun to share experiences with multiple turntable set-ups.
It is a fun experience though I have yet to add a second turntable. In the day, I had the pleasure of auditioning many of the now iconic and best audio gear. Enjoy
Two turntables. Two different systems. I think that’s reason enough.
Though I only buy second hand vinyl so as a rule I clean it, then play it through on the entry level TEAC deck in the office system and if there were no nasty surprises I then move the vinyl up to the main system where I record to NAS off a much better deck.
Garrard 301 with two arms here: Origin Live Silver and Rega R200. Connected to NAC72 fitted with both MC and MM cards. AT33pgt/ii on OL and a variety on the Rega for charity shop / mono / 78s etc.
Interesting. Whilst multiple sources based on different media have clear reasons, when I’ve heard mention of two turntables in one system I’ve have wondered why. To my mind it is best to have one, as good as you can afford. But I suppose if there is no single best and two (or more!) have such different characters that they suit different music, almost like different tone control settings, then why not? Reminds me of when I had my first hifi system, when I upgraded the cartridge I ended up keeping both (in pluggable headshells so instantly swappable) - one was much bassier than the other, so better with bass-light mixes.
It was something I had never considered doing, but then I heard the Rega Naia and thought I could live with this TT. I won’t be selling my LP12 though because it has many positive attributes that I enjoy and it wouldn’t be a cost-effective move. However, if money and space weren’t an issue I can see some benefits of having both. But as @Innocent_Bystander says, currently I would rather spend on getting the best out of one TT than splitting my spend across two.
I wish you hadn’t posted this, I have my LP12 purring along nicely and sat in a box in the garage is the same Rega set up as yours, now you have made me wonder could I have a dual set up?
I run one turntable with two tonearms. One with a stereo cartridge and one with a dedicated mono cartridge, both Lyra Atlas (SL + Mono). I have just one Superline phono-stage and have to swap cables to switch arms, but plan to get a dual input Boulder phono-stage in January.
I began collecting used LPs in mint condition in the '70s and I have always cleaned them before each listen. Several years ago I bought a Spin Clean vinyl cleaning system and since then have also been cleaning my collection of 1000 LPs once a year. No surface noise on any of them and played on my original 1983 LP12 they sound amazing. though as a whole, my evenly matched system sounds musically engaging. No listening fatigue,
Similar to @feeling_zen I am reviewing my collection of 7” and 12” singles prior to cleaning and the Technics with its “DJ” cartridge (tracks at 4 grams) is the safe way to assess state of the vinyl. I’ve had the deck for over 20 years so why not make use of it?
Well as they say each to their perspective. My HiFi journey began in the now vintage ara which I auditioned into the mid-70s, which led to the now iconic and best of Hifi gear. At the time when learning of and having listened to TTs such as Thornes, Luxman, the Oracle, and the Linn LP12, speakers, Keff, B&W, Aliston, Mission, the original Linn Saras, and the LS35a. Spendor and Harbeth the notion of doing an in-home comparison came to mind as it does now for example my setup consists of an original 1983 LP12, XS integrated amp, Flatcap power supply, Stageline and B&W 602s speakers and would be interesting to do an in-home comparison of.the 602s, Harbeth and Spendor. As for the LP12 I had considered the Thorns 166 MK11 until I learned of the Gold Note Pianosa turntable, On the other hand, did consider upgrading to the 202/200/Hicap though now my choice would be the XS3 or the SN3 as either has the option to add a second turntable and a streaming socket. My second TT would be the Goldnote Piaosa,
I started with Dual turntables. My first one was such a lemon that the dealer finally had to replace it with a newer model. I never liked it that much and when I had an opportunity to acquire a used Thorens TD 125 Mk II with SME arm I jumped on it and never looked back. Personally, I don’t understand the allure of vintage Dual turntables. My experience with them was poor.
My Rega Planar 3 is my first record player that I bought in the early 1980’s as a teenager - it was run through an A60. That’s what I’ve put back in the system again - but with the modifications of the Neo PS and better cart. The LP12 is my second player that I got about a year ago and upgraded to around the Seleck level.
I’m certainly really enjoying my records again, I just love the presentation of the albums covers, notes etc, the ritual of selecting and playing, and of course the sound. There is just something more real about the amplification of the vibration from a groove in a record as a natural source of sound, versus the reconstruction of a digital file into a replicated sound wave. It just feels that our brains find the analogue reproduction more natural.
