If your ears are tuned to digital, you probably will find the delivery to be too "soft" from just about *any* belt drive turntable. An elastic belt tends to soften the intial transients and risetimes compared to a digital presentation. Fortunately, Pioneer has issued an audiophile-quality DD turntable, the PLX-1000, available for $697. It has been well-reviewed by Herb Reichert (with a follow-up) at Stereophile and also by Steve Guttenberg at C-Net.
It also made it into S'philes recommended components list as a Class C, borderline Class B turntable. The other Class B's range from $2850 to $6500.
At $700, there's enough left over to get an Audio Technica AT150MLX, a very high-performing MM cartridge and a good match for that TT. Also, the tonal balance is very uncolored, similar to digital. I have this cartridge on a modified Technics SL-1210 M5G, and it's great--quick, dynamic, broadband, quiet, and dynamic.
Although the tonal balance and speed are similar to digital, I much prefer my vinyl playback for the musical continuity and "feel" of the presentation. I feel like I'm getting the best of both.
I don't know if or what you have for a phono stage, but Reichert liked the $129 Schiit Mani.
It also made it into S'philes recommended components list as a Class C, borderline Class B turntable. The other Class B's range from $2850 to $6500.
At $700, there's enough left over to get an Audio Technica AT150MLX, a very high-performing MM cartridge and a good match for that TT. Also, the tonal balance is very uncolored, similar to digital. I have this cartridge on a modified Technics SL-1210 M5G, and it's great--quick, dynamic, broadband, quiet, and dynamic.
Although the tonal balance and speed are similar to digital, I much prefer my vinyl playback for the musical continuity and "feel" of the presentation. I feel like I'm getting the best of both.
I don't know if or what you have for a phono stage, but Reichert liked the $129 Schiit Mani.