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Turntable recommendations around $2500

Hi everyone,

Yes, another "what do you recommend" thread.  I'll provide a few specifics to help narrow down the field.  First of all, I don't live near any audio dealers, so listening to products isn't an option.  I want to purchase through one of the various online audio dealers who offers a 30-day (or more) return policy - Audio Advisor, Music Direct, Needle Doctor, etc.  

My general parameters are:
  • approx. $2000-2500 for table only (less is better, of course, but not at the expense of sound quality) 
  • RCA or DIN output connection (no integral phono cables, which rules out Rega and Clearaudio)  experiment with aftermarket cables).
  • No unipivot tonearm (sorry, VPI)

So, with all that in mind, I'm looking at the following that meet my criteria:

  • Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon
  • Musical Hall MMF 9.3
  • Mobile Fidelity Ultradeck
  • EAT C-Major
  • ELAC Miracord 90
  • SOTA Satellite II (w/202 arm)

For what it's worth, I prefer a table that leans slightly toward the warmer side of neutral.  Would love to hear opinions from those who are using one of these tables or who have heard them and decided not to purchase. And, of course, other recommendations are welcome.

Thanks!
Scott


    
smrex13
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
The Linn Sondek LP12 majik is just over budget at $2750. Why buy a disposable turntable when you can have the turntable that has been in constant production since the 1970s and has been constantly refined in that period of time?

Even the oldest LP12s can be upgraded with modern parts some of which are usuriously expensive, and some that are ridiculously cheap. The word “classic” gets bandied about quite a bit in this hobby. But, for once, this is a place where it applies. And though not to everyone’s taste the LP12 in an unerringly warm and dynamic turntable.
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
I sincerely appreciate all the suggestions, and I wanted to let you all know where I landed.  After some more research and talking with a dealer who has always provided good recommendations, I went with an Acoustic Signature Wow XL with the TA-700 tonearm.  

I'm very impressed by the quality of the construction - everything from the packaging to the exceptional cartridge alignment tool is absolutely first class.  It seems like a much more expensive table - Acoustic Signature clearly takes pride in their products.  It was very easy to set up, and the operation is as simple as can be - push button for on/off and for switching between 33/45.  It runs dead silent and sounds great.  It's also easy to upgrade to a better platter and better tonearm down the road.  

As you can tell, I'm very happy with the purchase.  I like it much more than the VPI Prime I used to have.  Thanks again for the suggestions, even though I didn't take any of them :)

Best, Scott
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
The new technics 1200 GR should be listened to as it is ridiculously good for the money however the Michell Gyro SE is really very, very good.
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
you actually may a hard time finding a table that does what the 1200gr does, even over 3 grand. very neutral and precise.  the tonearm is great, its just incredible that you can get it for under 2 grand.  
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