Mcintosh MT5 vs LP12 vs EMT?

Hi all,

anyone know which is the better purchase of the above three? Anyone listened to a 'shoot-out'?

thanks.

 

The McIntosh MT5 seems mostly to provide people a way to have turntables in all-McIntosh systems. For that price you can do much better, unless you're just in love with the aesthetics.

 

and I love the aesthetics, that platter lit up looks very cool. I did a low rent version of that with the acrylic platter on my Pro-ject.

 

Hi Rolltide, ok thats interesting. Do you rate the Lp12 vs the EMT at all? I've only heard a few LP12's over the years.

 

I know if I had my choice, it would be a restored EMT

 

I'm not familair with either of those tables I'm afraid. I do know they're not Clearaudio tables with a few extra thousand added to the price along with the McIntosh logo, though

Note I'm not trying to bash the MT5, I'd love to have one, I just don't feel the price/performance ratio is valid unless one is looking to keep brand consistency in their system.

 

Yup, clear audio all day long. but the platter does light up!!!! got to impress the ladies

 

EMT classics finest of all. Makes Garrard 301, Garrard 401, Thorens TD 124, and their ilk seem cost cut. The ultimate idler broadcast deck ever built. And still one of the finest turntables made, with reliability galore and fine sonics.

 

But you don't use your turntable when partying with drunk girls, so....?

 

Hi McLover, yeah I had been thinking that. for several 'K' you could have one too so other than the nice 'lights' on the Mac, I dont know if its worth the investment.

 

Welll... that depends. How hot are we talking about?

 

that doesn't mean I don't light it up. its the aesthetic value that drives them crazy. A lit up platter and iTunes gets the job done.

 

I love McIntosh gear, but the turntable to me does not exude McIntosh in build, engineering, or in practicality in use. I judge the McIntosh turntable as a Clearaudio which is blinged up and cost more. It was done for those who want all McIntosh systems.

 

I was looking at the clear audio tables and the one that seems to most closely resemble the Mac is the
Clearaudio - Ovation Turntable w/Clarify Tonearm
Price: $6,495.00

for the same money I would take the Mac every time.

 

The McIntosh costs more money. Extra cost.

 

Sadly, I think the ~$5500-ish MT5 is likely closer to the $3000 Clearaudio Performance DC, except without as good of a tonearm.

 

Uh drunk girls are worth the investment!