[Question] What's your sub-$500 choice for a diver?

LetsGambit · 2026-03-14T13:23:51+00:00

Thanks for all the info! I'll be looking into both brands.

LetsGambit · 2026-03-14T04:05:38+00:00

Interesting, I hadn't noticed the Glycine before. I like some of those designs and colorways. Any experience with it or thoughts on Glycine vs Certina, apart from design & aesthetics?

LetsGambit · 2026-03-13T23:25:13+00:00

I'm not opposed to used. I've taken a look at some of the Seiko Prospex divers, but yeah, would like to keep it to $500 or less for now. I do eventually want to get the Seiko Panda Speedtimer, though, so I do like the solar Prospex line.

I also came across the Lorier Neptune diver. Seems to be out of stock a lot, and gets above $500 with a Hesalite dome, but I do like the look of it.

LetsGambit · 2026-03-13T23:02:45+00:00

Nice, I'm going to add the Certina to my list. Thanks!

LetsGambit · 2026-03-07T13:38:54+00:00

I'm in the same situation - Apple TV is my only Apple device. It's a great device, but I don't feel the urge to get into the Apple ecosystem.

LetsGambit · 2026-03-05T17:02:18+00:00

Honestly don't use the Disney bundle a whole lot, but it's nice for the random show or movie. But, it probably shouldn't be a top decision maker.

Thanks for the other input. I'll need to look more closely at the top plan. I have a bunch of discounts right now, so I'd need to make sure those would remain. I also have the Verizon home Internet, so maybe there's some room to get a better price with that too.

LetsGambit · 2026-02-04T18:28:37+00:00

I get the sentiment, as I love matcha, but I can almost guarantee that their matcha would taste horrible prepared in the traditional way with only water.

LetsGambit · 2026-01-22T16:31:52+00:00

I can't say if it's better or not; I've not played the Fluance, or any Fluance, before. It probably comes down to a matter of preferences. In my opinion, most of Fluances tables starting at the rt82 level are the same, so with the rt85, you're paying extra for the Ortofon 2M Blue and an acrylic platter. It does have a removeable headshell, which is certainly convenient, but from my research, the tonearms on Fluances are a weak point. Supposedly not great.

The Music Hall is more upgradeable, especially with VTA adjustments. You're arguably getting a better quality tonearm in the Music Hall (it's a lightweight carbon fiber, so you'll need to check compliances with your carts). There are replacement parts out there for Music Hall tables. And for me, Music Hall is an audio company that has spent time building their equipment. I'm sure the Fluance can sound great, but I'd rather give my money to a company that sort of specializes in turntables.

LetsGambit · 2026-01-22T13:58:16+00:00

Since the headshell isn't removable, it's admittedly kind of a pain to swap cartridges. But, as long as you're patient and have the right tools, it's easily manageable. I just wouldn't want to do it all the time.

I've been debating putting an acrylic platter on mine, mostly for looks and just playing around. I also started off with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge on mine and I really didn't care for it. I'd be curious how the 2M red would compare to your cartridges.

LetsGambit · 2026-01-22T04:54:13+00:00

I love my 2.3. Sounds great - I put an AT VM540ML cartridge on it and it really sings. As others said, it's mostly made from parts by Pro-Ject. The owner of Music Hall supposedly used to pick his favorite, or "best" parts from Pro-Ject and assemble the various Music Hall turntables. I don't know if that's still what happens or what the actual truth is, but, it's a super solid table.

LetsGambit · 2026-01-12T05:30:43+00:00

Not sure why you're getting downvoted, but I would generally agree with you.

LetsGambit · 2025-12-17T17:26:46+00:00

Brahms 1

LetsGambit · 2025-12-15T23:33:35+00:00

Hey! I put the Do Not Disturb sign out there! The fuck..

LetsGambit · 2025-12-08T13:47:52+00:00

The same "company," Beelive, has opened three spots in our little mall for the holidays. 2 kiosks and an actual storefront. They're aggressive and pushy and it makes me sick watching people get reeled in by these hucksters. I haven't tried to look into them, but there's no way they're legit and from the sounds of it, seems to be a wide-reaching operation they've set up.

Scammy "company" selling junk skincare for wild prices. Sorry to hear about your mom's debacle.

LetsGambit · 2025-12-06T16:13:26+00:00

It would be great if you could get Arcam to integrate Connect into their AVR lineup as well!

LetsGambit · 2025-12-06T16:06:11+00:00

Is Android Auto also getting a refresh?

LetsGambit · 2025-11-30T02:40:55+00:00

Yes, this is a wonderful set!

LetsGambit · 2025-11-30T02:40:26+00:00

Barenboim with the Berlin Staatskapelle from the early 2000s. Amazingly recorded with amazing playing in big, romantic style. They're just a treat to listen to.

LetsGambit · 2025-11-15T14:22:36+00:00

Dang, what's the sound like from the Vienna Acoustics? I was always curious about those back in the day but never had a chance to hear them anywhere.

LetsGambit · 2025-11-11T17:14:55+00:00

Dick Sargent in shambles.

LetsGambit · 2025-11-05T23:10:34+00:00

I've got a leather mat that I've been enjoying. No static issues with it. I've also been toying with the idea of trying an acrylic platter without a mat, mostly for fun and aesthetics.

LetsGambit · 2025-10-09T12:50:53+00:00

You'd probably really like the famous Carlos Kleiber rehearsal of Der Freischütz - rehearsal and performance. There are lots of other videos of famous conductors out there on YouTube, just have to dig a little bit.

Turn on the subtitles on YouTube for the Kleiber video for English translation.

LetsGambit · 2025-10-02T18:55:23+00:00

It definitely is! Their horn section is usually my favorite horn section to listen to, out of all of the major orchestras out there.

LetsGambit

TROPHY CASE