Price Paid:  $1000.00 from private

Summary:
I bought the system approximately one year ago, with a
Dynavector 17 MkII (Karat) cartridge. The only drawback, that I encountered was, that the cartridge has a very low output that underran the capabilities of my preamp MC
input. But as far as the player/arm combination is in
question I found everything very fine. Nearly no mechanical background noise and very transparent reproduction.

Strengths:
Once setup I no longer thought about further 'tuning' the
system, except with another cartridge

Weaknesses:
Manual tonearm operation.

Similar Products Used:
Thorens (various models), Dual, Scheu, Clearaudio, Rega

Summary:
I upgraded the fluid "cup" to a solid brass one, use the Well-Tempered Tonearm with a Blue Point Special cartridge, and can highly recommend this setup to classical/acoustic music listeners. Make certain to use the best interconnects you can find/afford. There is a distinct lack of record and turntable-induced noise compared to most "high-end" tables, most especially those anywhere near its price range. The sound floats on a cushion of air with good associated equipment. Probably the best recommendation I can give is to tell you that they are next-to-impossible to find on the used market. I certainly am not entertaining thoughts of letting go of mine! Anything significantly "better" (I'm not certain that there even is) is prohibitively more expensive and, at least for me, impossible to justify. I use the table with top of the line tube electronics and upgraded KEF speakers, of which I have 3 different models.

Strengths:
Extremely low noise floor, unusually low coloration, and very detailed sound even in the low frequencies. Price.

Weaknesses:
Using it takes a little getting used to compared to normal tables. Also, must manually lift arm at record's end.

Similar Products Used:
Linn, VPI, Luxman vacuum (LONG time ago...)

Price Paid:  $675.00 from Don't remember

Summary:
One of the best turntables to date, not only at its price tag, but at *any* price. From here on, everything more expensive is going to be «different» rather than «better». And no, it's not in the same league with the LP12. It is *significantly* better. I do not know of any turntable that matches or comes even near its quietness. It seems like magic, but even playing a less-than-VG- 30+ year old RCA Dynagroove record will be a sheer delight.

Strengths:
Imaging, Quietness. Opposed to other turntables there's no need for frequent adjustments once the TT has been set up properly.

Weaknesses:
Comes without a dust cover.

Similar Products Used:
Linn LP12, Pink Anniversary

Price Paid:  $950.00 from forgot

Summary:
I bought mine in 1989, modified it with marigo audiolab's platter and a machined tonearm cup (as opposed to the original stamped one) that a friend of mine made.
No problems for 11 years. This turtable is very quite and images very well and is very neutral. Mated with good interconnects, a leveling/isolation board, and a good (but no need to be expensive) cartridge, and you will have something that sounds truly great. Kinda fussy (but very easy) to adjust the left/right tilt because of the way the tonearm is designed, but so what for the price.

Similar Products Used:
Linn

Summary:
Set the VTA so the arm is slanted ever so slightly towards the pivot point. Get the stylus pressure right. WellTempered has a good gauge, only $15. Most people with quibbles about the WellTempered tables don't have the arm damping set correctly. Pick up the arm, bring it up three to four inches about the arm rest, let it fall. It should fall gently but quickly. If it floats down or doesn't fall at all, your damping is too high. There is a printed formula for this. Call Audition Audio in Minneapolis (888-576-6823) for a copy. They also have the stylus gauge and recommend the damped platter. Trust them. Interconnects make a huge difference. The best I've tried are from Lindsay Audiophile: lowest noise floor and true highs and no spitting. Also available from above. Not giving five stars because nothing is perfect.

Strengths:
Ability to mate with ANY cartridge. Easy to adjust and set up. Can use your own interconnects.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
VPI HW19 III with Rega RB 900. WellTempered Classic Turtable. Rega Planar 3.