Gyro SE / 3009 / MC25 or new Pro-ject turmtable ?
Posted by: Graeme Cree on 12 June 2002
Looking for a new turntable rig so I can dig out my old jazz and prog rock (!) LPs for a spin. Need help – rather like Alan Ball’s thread – a fellow vinyl ignoramus.
Currently running CDX / 102 / HiCap / NAPSC / 135 / Dynaudio 1.8.
Local dealer has ex-demo Gyro SE (so far so good) with SME 3009 (Mk II methinks) arm fitted with Ortofon MC25 cartridge (not sure whether EL or FS) priced around £1500.
He also has the new Pro-ject RPM6 (?) about which I’ve seen nothing. It’s the one where the very deep platter encases all the works. Price around £650 (tba) plus cartridge (MC25 suggested).
Any views?
Ta ever so.
Graeme
Posted on: 13 June 2002 by Laurie Saunders
I had a gyro/rb300/smeV/Ortophon mc25FL before upgrading to an Orbe. Question: is the QC power supply included? If not it sounds expensive. My knowledge of the SME 3009 is limited, but I think that its not really designed for (low compliance) MC cartridges, like the Ortophon(I may have my knickers in a twist here) Rega arms work very well.So, of course do the SME Series IV and V Having said all the above I would still look for a gyro.....properly matched(arm, cart, power supply etc....capable of outstanding performance
Best wishes....Laurie S
Posted on: 13 June 2002 by ejl
I agree that the price on the Gyro seems high, even with the power supply. You might want to check out prices on Audiogon, Loot, etc. beforehand.
The Gyro recently had a motor upgrade, so make especially sure the dealer's not trying to unload a demo with the old motor at that price.
Posted on: 13 June 2002 by Edwin
Back in the mid '80s I was the proud owner of a Gyrodec/RB300 which I promptly sold once I heard the LP12/Xerxes. The Gyrodec just didn't cut it in the PRaT department.
You can get a very nice used LP12/Xerxes for 1,500 quid. Just mho.
Posted on: 14 June 2002 by Frank Abela
Graeme
Are you sure that's a SME 3009 or could it be a SME 309? The latter goes for around £700 new but a 3009 would be pushing around £200.
If it's a SME 309, the all-in new price would be around £1750 - £1800 if that's an MC25FL, so I guess it's not too steep if it's ex-dem, has the dc motor and comes with a *full* warranty. Your choice as to whether you like the price.
FWIW, I've just changed to the dc motor and new suspension on my Gyrodec and it times a lot better than it did with the QC/AC motor and old suspension, even without the VC power supply! Wonderful stuff.
Oh and it takes the Projects to the cleaners...
Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.
