Imagine the excitement. First turntable purchase in over twenty years.
Frown at the brain-bending decision: what to get?
Stagger under the swirling weight of unanswerable questions. What will suit the rest of the system best? How does a Hi-Fi shop audition translate to a suburban lounge-room?
Quiver at the realisation this is the biggest purchase—after home and car—you’ve ever made.
Reflect on the provenance of the funds; a lump of inheritance quarantined after the passing of the patriarch a dozen or more year earlier, sitting quietly in an interest bearing account this past decade, supplemented by occasional small injections.
Puzzle at the problem of comparing your two short-listed turntables—Linn Sondek and Rega Planar—in two retailers ten miles apart across congested Melbourne.
Sigh with relief when you discover a reputable Hi-Fi dealer who sells both and is willing to set up a compare and contrast demo.
Prevaricate intensely about what albums to select for auditioning these two Formula One record spinners.
Perspire quietly as you strain to hear differences between the Majik LP12 and the RP10.
Sweat profusely as you realise the differences are slight but noticeable, yet neither better nor worse; more minute variations in colour and texture and space.
Savour the rich dialects of the english-speaking world as you learn from the helpful Scots salesman a new verb perfectly describing the process of oscillating between two options: to swither.
Swither agonisingly through a couple more test tracks until you realise both these units are utterly marvellous and either will provide many years of listening pleasure. So just take a bloody deep breath and decide.
Ten minutes and a phone call later
There are no Rega Planar RP10 turntables in the entire country.
Two hours later
Ms Connection thought it hilarious my new toy had to be specially ordered from the very county in the UK where she lived her entire life until transported to the colonies two decades ago. She cheerily offered to collect one from the factory in Essex; just to be helpful, you understand. I laughed a hollow laugh and distracted myself by pondering which record should have the honour of the inaugural spin.
Three weeks later
After crossing hemispheres and oceans in a big brown box emblazoned with a Union Jack, the RP10 arrived, no doubt relieved to be escaping the plebiscite insanity. Fitted with an Ortofon Black cartridge* by Darren, the same helpful Scot, it was collected from Carlton Audio Visual on a Saturday afternoon and gingerly transported the much shorter distance across north-eastern Melbourne to a new home at Vinyl Connection headquarters.
The bits were unpacked and carefully assembled. Soon I was holding the last piece—the weighty platter, white vitrified ceramic allegedly tougher than tempered steel—which was deemed by Ms Connection to be the prettiest pizza stone she’d ever seen. I assured her with another hollow laugh that an extra-large white truffle pizza garnished liberally with saffron shredded by Indian princesses and served with a 1964 Penfolds Grange would be a bargain compared to this particular oven tray.
A day or two later
‘It’s odd,’ I confided to Ms Connection, ‘But I’m slightly nervous about using the new turntable.’
‘I’m not surprised,’ she replied supportively, ‘I’m terrified being in the same room as it.’
‘Anyway, I haven’t decided what to christen it with, something old or something new.’
‘Or something borrowed, something blue. Is it bigamy if your partner is intimate with a posh turntable? Just asking.’
I laughed a hollow laugh and popped a breath mint into my mouth.
The next day
The old-new-borrowed-blue thing got me thinking. Not about intimate relations with a piece of hi-fi kit, but about albums that might be both familiar yet new. What came to mind was a new double LP I’d bought a few weeks ago but not yet spun** which seemed to fit both categories.
Roger Dean does a fine Hipgnosis
In 2001 Yes mounted a short tour with the European Festival Orchestra. It’s the sort of thing some bands see as a kind of maturational rite of passage. Indeed, Yes were repeat offenders, having played and recorded with the London Philharmonic in 1993. I have an abiding suspicion of such projects and thus roundly ignored this millennial indulgence… until stumbling upon it in the mark-down section of a large retailer some two or three years ago. Two-DVD set, great song-list, right price: sold.
Surprisingly, Yes: Symphonic Live is excellent. The band are in fine form—particularly Jon Anderson—and the orchestral arrangements are tight and tasteful. So when I happened across the 2LP vinyl release of concert highlights, I was tempted#.
Symphonic Live would be a perfect first spin: a band I’ve loved forever playing familiar music draped in borrowed orchestral raiment in a novel setting, the entirely blue Amsterdam Concertgebouw. That last bit is made up; I just hoped not to feel blue by the end of the inaugural spin.
With massive relief I can report that both turntable and album passed the test.
The RP10 is superb; musical, accurate, beautifully defined and able to track the dynamic changes of this complex music with understated panache. There is an openness and warmth that I enjoy these days in my hi-fi: Alan White’s drums crisp without brittleness, the liquid lightning of Steve Howe’s guitar lines articulate and bright, agility in conveying Chris Squire’s supple bass-lines, and faithful translation of the human voice, Anderson soaring wonderfully above band and orchestra. Keyboard stand-in Tom Brislin subs brilliantly, by the way. As for the orchestra, their fills were subtle and deep, often providing enriching contrast to the rock band out front.
Opening the concert with the side-long ‘Close to the edge’ was ambitious, but after a slightly distracted start (not nerves, surely?), this Yes cornerstone really picked up energy and power. Odd seeing someone not Rick Wakeman playing the organ solo on an electronic keyboard, but that’s life in a forty-year-old band folks. The LP highlights popular Yes hits, which is a tad disappointing for Relayer-addicts (‘Gates of delirium’ is really exciting on the DVD) but would satisfy more casual fans. The orchestra lifts some of the old material refreshingly; ‘And you and I’ made my heart swell and ‘Long distance runaround’ provoked a smile of delight. Even the newer songs are OK.
As the applause at the end of ‘Roundabout’ faded, I joined the celebration and spontaneously emitted a sound of appreciation and gratitude that could well be described as a right royal chortle. Not a hollow laugh to be heard.
* Funds did not stretch to the recommended moving coil cartridge and anyway, the VC amplifier has only MM capacity.
** Such is the backlog of acquisitions, an obscene number of records sit quietly in the ‘unplayed’ section for long periods, awaiting their moment on the platter.
# Which is VC code for ‘bought it’. Where music is concerned, resisting temptation is an unknown concept.
## Especially on a new turntable. [That’s the gloating bit.]
Footnote for Yes trainspotters
The Symphonic Live DVD (2 discs, 194 minutes including ‘bonus’ documentary) was released in 2001. A double CD set arrived in 2009, containing the entirety of the music on two 75 minute discs. Music on Vinyl released the double album a further six years later in 2015. The latter has about half the concert. This is disappointing, but the full monty would have been a 4LP monster. Get the DVD if you love Yes; it really is a very good performance and the sound quality is outstanding##.
vinylconnection.com.au 
What a wonderful tale and acquisition, Bruce. That Rega Planar RP10 is an enthusiast’s dream to view (and am sure to hear). Sounds like a beautiful setup and cartridge pairing. Congratulations… and make sure Mrs. VC doesn’t hear too many coos or see extra loving caresses thrown the table’s way…best to keep both happy and appreciated. 😉
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Absolutely. I’m playing the ‘Oh, it’s just a bit of gear’ card with absolute conviction (not).
Thanks for your comments, Michael. ‘Preciate it.
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I’m just trying to keep my envy in check. You’ve inspired me to open up the new 4-LP ‘Pure McCartney’ and play it on my lowly vintage Dual 1249 to buoy my spirits. 😉
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Honesty compels me to reveal that I am a little uncomfortable with the flaunting aspect, but couldn’t resist telling the story Michael.
Anyway, the best turntable is the one that plays music you love!
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Great article, Bruce! I have that particular performance on DVD, and not only did the reinterpretations of the classic pieces sound vibrant and inspired, but the tracks performed from `Magnification’ (probably their last grand musical statement and a seriously good Yes album) stood proud as well.
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Oh, and I loved the dorky but gorgeous choir members too!
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You bet. I wanted to dance on stage with them at the end!
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Congrats on the new purchase and may your acts of prevarication be over. 😉
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Wouldn’t that be great! Make one (albeit) substantial decision and thereafter all decisions are a piece of cake. Ah.
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Welcome to the new member of the family Bruce – they grow up so fast!
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Seems like only yesterday that I was bringing home the Thorens TD280… I had hair then…
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Swither me timbers!
A touch of envy here.
Must get hold of some Yes to take away on holiday later this month.
(Will be played on a XW-BTSA1 Pioneer Bluetooth -!!!- that I will take with me to Coffs Harbour).
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Few holiday destinations would not be improved by addition of some Yes soundtracking. Coffs sounds warm and wonderful. Enjoy!
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Yas! New turntable! I’ve been considering such a thing myself (as well as a change to my current stereo set-up, of course), but reckon, realistically, I’m a bit away from such a thing.
Anyhoo, really liked this post and I’m pleased that the swithering paid off. I shall listen to The Yes Album to celebrate! (It’s still the only Yes I have!)
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‘The Yes Album’ (as we’ve agreed before) is an absolutely fine Yes-pad. Hope you enjoy it!
As for upgrading the kit, it is a slow, incremental process for me too. I’ve managed to upgrade speakers, amp and now turntable… across 9 years!
Still, a chap has to have a dream, eh?
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I do indeed – I’ve actually been meaning to write a wee bit about it, but, y’know, time. Bah.
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So…..you bought a new turntable and leafed through your dictionary & thesaurus? Haha, just kidding, of course. Fantastic post, as I felt like I was part of the process as your new toy made its way across the miles.
As for your choice of inaugural album, well done sir. I don’t own the vinyl, or even the CD set, but I did get the DVD when it was released and it remains one of my favorite Yes concert recordings. A great set list, the band still in top form and superb audio quality (especially the surround sound mix). What’s not to love?
Enjoy all the albums that will be played in the coming days & weeks. You’ve earned it.
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Thank you Rich.
Delighted to have a KT-VC ‘SNAP!’ on ‘Symphonic Live’. It really is an enjoyable concert experience and one of the few DVDs I’ve played more than once!
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Good on you Bruce, how many times a day do you you just stare at it lovingly? caress it even? or is that a private matter?
Since most of my records involve a lot of shouting and there’s the whole ‘LP now or gear later’ dilemma, I’ve never really looked into proper hi-fi. I’d be too worried about not knowing the right things to say in a proper shop like that and showing myself up.
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There have been shy, perhaps even soppy, glances in the direction of the platter spinning object, but until my unexpurgated memoir hits the press, I’ll remain coy, if that’s OK.
Buying a bit of kit is pretty straightforward in terms of process, really. You decide where to start (amplifier is a solid beginning) then, on entering the lair of your dealer of choice, you answer the question, ‘What’s your budget?’ and the rest simply unfolds. Magic!
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Magic indeed! I’ll wait for the graphic novel version of your memoir.
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Was wondering about a Lego version. My people will talk to your people.
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That is one beautiful machine and a equally lovely review.
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Why thank you Sir (from Ms Rega and I).
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Good review. Curious as to whether you think these live versions differ enough for one to pick this set up if they already own the studio versions.
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Hi Jim. Thanks for visiting. In this case, due to the addition of the vibrant young orchestra, the answer is ‘Yes’. For me, they’ve always been a great live band and I like all the official live recordings, starting with YesSongs, but I was surprised just how much I enjoyed ‘Symphonic Live’. As I mentioned, the DVD is excellent as it has much more music on it. Recommended.
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Thanks I’ll check it out. It’s been a while since I sat and listened to Yes. Overdue.
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I am delighted you chose Yes for your christening. Perhaps G & I could have a listen next pizza night as we share a love of Yes?
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Too right! Over the years, Ms Connection has come on board too so All Good People can groove together. 🙂
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[…] might know from his playing on the rather brilliant Symphonic Live DVD/album featured not long ago here at Vinyl Connection. Another is inventive bass player Jonas Reingold, a Flower Kings alumnus as well as some-time […]
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I feel your “Love”. (That sounds kinda weird but I think you get it). I’ve been listening to a lot of ‘Yes’ and ‘Yes’ related music lately. How come when someone really digs something it’s infectious? Turntable aside, it’s very cool to see someone give a band it’s due. CB’s heading for a workout and a little ‘Yes’ related accompaniment will be in order.
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I think if you could dance to Yes music, you would be limber indeed! Sweat it out, dude.
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Not much sweating involved. ‘Danger Money’ by UK was the choice. No Yes guys on this one. Our buddy John Wetton though.
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Sad loss. Vale John Wetton.
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No offence, but reading this I feel intense relief that I’m partially deaf and so am spared such trauma – pretty much everything sounds like it’s being played on a Walkman to me. I do however recognise the paralysis that goes with choosing the record for an inaugural occasion. During 20 years living in London I moved house on average once a year and eventually had to make a ritual of playing the same album whenever I set up the stereo anew. Probably the only time in fact that I listened to Green River by Creedence.
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Creedence would be a perfect house move record, I reckon. Box-boogie bliss.
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My JVC speakers, born 1982, are not as fit as they once were, so when I saw the words Harmon and Kardon, they sparked interest. Mind you the words Infinity and Reference invoked some scepticism, but this was put aside when the word discount appeared with a price that was within my notional budget.
For ‘reference’ listening I choose two Albums, two amplifiers and I did two speaker comparisons.
The musical choices were simple for me:
1. Water Babies from Miles Davis’ Water Babies, for Tony Williams scintillating drum work throughout and because I simply like the album, and
2 Ptah the El Douad, by Alice Coltrane because it is bass-driven, has visceral sax coming from one speaker and transcendent sax coming from the other, and it also has piano, harp, chains, drums and bells. And, I really do like it.
Comparing my ten+ year old GLL Imagio IC130i tower speakers with the new bookshelf HKs was easy due to A and B speaker wiring on the Pioneer A-20-K amp. The advantage of a 22kHz upper spec for the Infinity Reference 162 2-way speakers was immediately apparent, but the sound was constrained next to the well-rounded sound of the GLLs. This lack of mellowness led me to break-in the HKs before doing a second comparison.
For the break in, the literal and ironic in me came up with a plan to tune in to Smooth FM and to let it play all day while I was at work. (It’s ironic because I’d rather not listen to that station…at all…ever. Wally? You reading this?).
A Pioneer A109 amp was used to compare the neat Infinity’s to the prehistoric JVC floor standing speakers. The sunroom amp does not have A and B speaker outputs but it does have a slightly mellower tone, if less oomph, than the amp in the Lounge-room.
The bass response of the Infinity Reference Speakers was dramatically better than the JVCs (despite the JVCs 3 way system and an originally similar 50/20kHz spec). Ron Carter sounded fantastic – the bass deep and resonant, Pharaoh’s sax work made my hair stand on end (I like you too, Joe) and Alice made the harp and my heart zing. There is no doubt those JVCs are worn out and there is no buyer’s remorse.
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Congratulations on your new twins. May they bring lasting sonic pleasure and decades of musical delight.
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It seems I offended the Gods by mocking Smooth FM. The alternate grandfather has taught grandson to say ‘91.5’. Bugger.
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[…] Was the pull a lingering audiophile hangover, an after image arising from the new turntable of 2016? […]
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