I prefer my Gyro SE to both the VPI MkIII and the LP12, I and I definitely prefer my Gyro to the Nottingham Interspace, though I only heard that one briefly.
I msut agree, if you're willing to go used you can have a superb setups on your budget. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can find a used Gyro SE, an OEM250, throw a dropped counterwight on (and do further mods later as you have the cash) and used what's left of your buget for the best cart you can get your hands on (just make sure your preamp will get along with it). Properly set up, my Gyro/Origin Live/Clearaudio setup sounds heavenly! Think I paid something like 1200 for my Gyro, was a year old, latest version =)
I msut agree, if you're willing to go used you can have a superb setups on your budget. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can find a used Gyro SE, an OEM250, throw a dropped counterwight on (and do further mods later as you have the cash) and used what's left of your buget for the best cart you can get your hands on (just make sure your preamp will get along with it). Properly set up, my Gyro/Origin Live/Clearaudio setup sounds heavenly! Think I paid something like 1200 for my Gyro, was a year old, latest version =)