Latest Vintage Turntables Available at Vinyl Nirvana

I haven't promoted the Vinyl Nirvana site in a while, but I figure it's time for a couple of reasons. First, when I started distributing The Wand tonearm from New Zealand, I instantly though about putting the 12" version on one of Dave Archambault's long-base Thorens TD-150s, which he calls the VN-150. (Pic above.) Second, my next column for the Vinyl Anachronist will talk about some of my favorite turntables of all time, and I instantly starting thinking about my old interview with Dave on Perfect Sound Forever where I asked about his favorite 'table and he picked the long-base Thorens he builds.

That puts me into a bit of a quandary, however. I really want to include his long-base Thorens on my list, which will be called something like "Ten Turntables to Lust After." But after putting all my favorites down I realized the list was too long and I had to start cutting some 'tables out, which was tough. I decided that one of the criteria for these turntables had to be "seat time"--I couldn't put the 'table on the list unless I had actually spent time listening to it. And I haven't actually heard the VN-150 yet.

Hopefully I can rectify that in the near future--I'm trying to send Dave one of The Wands ASAP, and since I moved to Central New York I'm actually just a few hours' drive from his workshop in New Hampshire. So while I want to put the VN-150 on the list because I DO lust after it, I'll actually have to give it some special honorable mention status until I can hear it.

But just look at this one. It's beautiful. I could easily imagine retiring with one of these. It's a super 'table that doesn't cost super 'table dollars--it retails for $3195 with the 12" SME M2-12R tonearm (which is $1800 by itself). You can also step down to the M2-12, or add the Origin Live DC200 outboard motor. This is just an outstanding 'table in so many ways.

I've also been lusting after Dave's "Midnight Edition" TD-160 Supers that he's been offering of late. A more modest analog rig than the long-base Thorens, this is nevertheless an excellent vintage 'table that can compete with modern 'tables at the same price point. The "midnight" refers to the black anodized top plate as well as the black powdercoat finish on the platter, which gives it an undeniably sexy look. It comes with a Moth RB-202 arm (OEM from Rega) for just $1579. I'd add an Ortofon 2M Blue for a couple hundred bucks and have an awesome vinyl rig for under $2000.

Visit the Vinyl Nirvana website for more restored vintage turntables--some of them start at under $700 and will offer you plenty of years of enjoyment.

Here's How I'd Spend $500 on a New Turntable...

I checked out the Vinyl Nirvana site this morning and found this beautiful Dual 1019 for just $475. Not every old Dual sounds magical, but this is one of the three Duals, all idler-drives, that do--the other two being the 1219 and the 1229. It's been decades since I've seen one this perfect--just look at that plinth!

The 1019 can also serve as a great 78rpm or mono deck when you choose the right cartridge. For stereo playback, I'd choose an Ortofon first unless you can find a Shure V-15, any generation, in perfect condition. (That's getting close to impossible in 2014.) I used a V-15 Type III on my Dual 510 back in the '70s, and it was my first taste of great audio.

Seriously, if you're looking for a great turntable for under $500, this is a very cool choice.

An Embarrassment of Riches at Vinyl Nirvana

I stopped by the Vinyl Nirvana website today and was surprised at how many worthy vintage turntables David Archimbault had for sale. As you probably already know, David is one of the leading restoration specialists in the US, and he always has a handful of AR, Thorens and Merrill TTs on sale. But this ridiculous...I could easily own any one of these and be deliriously happy.

First up is this rare red AR The Turntable, which David has dubbed "The Spitfire," with an SME arm and an M-H speed control. This is just $1895 plus shipping.

Next he has a Merrill Heirloom turntable with a Linn Akito arm for just $1495 plus shipping. This is one of the early Merrills, which were based on heavily-modified AR designs. George Merrill went on to make more ambitious designs, many of which are considered the finest turntables ever made.

This one really caught my eye--it's a customized Thorens TD-150 with a tiger maple plinth and an armboard that's made from tiger's maple but stained red. It's stunningly beautiful, especially those dovetail joints. It's just $995 plus shipping and comes with the legendary Rega RB-300 arm.

Finally we have a gorgeous Thorens TD-160 with a perfect African mahogany plinth crafted by David's own plinth-maker. This is about as mint as a TD-160 gets. It comes with a Rega RB-251 tonearm and is just $1295 plus shipping.

David has a few others available such as a beautifully restored AR-XA for $325 plus arm, a Thorens TD-150 with another beautiful custom base and a nearly mint AR ES-1 with a walnut base. You can see them all here. Amazing gear, David, as usual!