New DD Parabolica Turntable from Grand Prix Audio Debuts at LA Audio Show 2017

[Guest]

Alvin Lloyd introduced the newest member of the Grand Prix Audio family of turntables at the LA Audio Show 2017.

Using the same iconic form and compact size as GPA's Monaco turntables, the new Parabolica is a turnkey direct drive 'table whose MSRP is, to me, an amazing $16k. Costs are shaved by including the entire drive system within the plinth (so no external controller box and connecting cable) and the plinth is not made from carbon fiber like the Monacos. I believe the plinth also contains lighted touch controls for on-off and speed selection. Like the Monacos, there is a single removable armboard for easy swaps. I don't know the Parabolica's final production specs but from what I understand,they should be pretty darn amazing.



Picture is from brief mention on AnalogPlanet.

I'd be curious what others think about a DD table with GPA technology coming in at under $16k.

[Metamatic]

Nice. Superb sounding table the Grand Prix Monaco.

[Letsmakeadeal]

It may sound good and the price may be compelling for a new DD but I just can't stomach the look of it...Not that it matters

[Guest]

Parabolica brochure (PDF) from LA Show.

Looks like (at least part of) what turnkey means here is not having to load the bearing with oil. Using the same 74000 line encoder as the Monaco v2 (in-house here for first listen coverage) should tell you a lot about the drive system. If he buys the tonearm and cartridge from a GPA dealer, I'll speculate most all a new owner has to do is: take it out of the box, put it on a stand, level it, release the platter secure bolt, plug-in and play a record.


That thing to the left is an armboard.

[Rob]

"...I'd be curious what others think about a DD table with GPA technology coming in at under $16k."

not trying to be facetious but what is "GPA technology"? I saw this table in Brian's room and didn't realize it was a new model. I know his late dad Brooks (a person who's opinion I held in high regard) was an early adopter and really liked GPA tables. The systems I've heard fronted by a GPA table were usually quite good to superb. That said, I never got up close enough to get to know one, I was always curious about what lie under the hood as its quite compact.

[Guest]

not trying to be facetious but what is "GPA technology"? I saw this table in Brian's room and didn't realize it was a new model. I know his late dad Brooks (a person who's opinion I held in high regard) was an early adopter and really liked GPA tables. The systems I've heard fronted by a GPA table were usually quite good to superb. That said, I never got up close enough to get to know one, I was always curious about what lie under the hood as its quite compact.

What I meant by "GPA Technology" is the drive system, viz. motor, encoder + controller, and DSP software along with a high level of precision fitment - largely based on my experience with the Monacos. The new 'table is probably not at dealers yet. I don't have much more info on the Parabolica but Alvin has an impressive team behind him and I'm willing to bet there's a fair amount of trickle-down to this less expensive model. As far as overall GPA technology I can go into lot's of detail if you want it, but rather than writing a bunch of words, lazily I'll point you at Roy Gregory's review, here. Then, offer the following provisio: if you've heard a Monaco over a year ago (v1.5 and older) and liked what you heard, I suggest listening to a v2 - imo a whole 'nother story.

[ashandger]

Would it be possible for you to expand on the major sonic differences between Monaco v1.5 and v2.0? I read Roy's review of v1.5 with great interest. Seems like v1.5 was one of his all time favs....and he loved the VPI Classic DD as well. Many thanks

Yes - wasn't that a great review. v2.0 coverage is planned and forthcoming. The differences are significant.

[ashandger]

Great, many thanks for the feedback.

[Guest]

A brief Parabolica featurette at The Audio Beat

The alternate 'color scheme' is possibly the worst I've seen on a turntable. But hey de gustibus non est disputandum... etc.

I've learned more about the specs of this 'table and frankly they're amazing for its $16k price point. Will wait 'til they're posted on the GPA Web site. I suspect the Parabolica could be strong competition for any DD 'table under $30k.

[Guest]

Looks like GPA has their site updated with specs and a manual for the Parabolica. And contra the OP it looks like it has the carbon fiber plinth.

Speed stability - average 30 parts per million (.00012% RMS)
Peak deviation less than 0.00025%
... more at GPA

Apparently GPA judged the Parabolica better than the Monaco 1.5 and it has now replaced the earlier unit. That means a $16k 'table with higher performance replaces a $24k model. For someone looking for a direct drive turntable, it could be worth a listen.

I wonder how the Parabolica compares to the VPI Direct, the NVS, and a vintage SP10 mk 3. :-)

[Spla'nin]

I wonder if they will be offering any retrofit options to the original Monaco owners ?

[Spla'nin]

JC you have been selected for consideration when an editorial opening comes up at Stereo Review ..

https://www.theaudiobeat.com/blog/grand_prix_monaco_20.htm

[JCOConnell]

well the original specification was so damn good to begin with

The original specs were indeed very very good, yet the sonic improvments between the 1.5 and 2.0, were not small. Yes, the differences run against the grain of expectation. Apriori, there was no way I could have reasoned my way from specs to what I heard. Maybe my experience was aberrant, we'll see, but in the meantime, I'm happy to have it with every record I play. :-)

[MylesBAstor]

I wonder if they will be offering any retrofit options to the original Monaco owners ?

Nice to have you aboard!

[Spla'nin]

Thank you sir, I still have the Phoenix Gold ARx's in my inventory that you recommended OH so long ago .. a truly disruptive product for its cost to performance ratio at the time.

[MylesBAstor]

That's a blast from the past. David K would appreciate them.