You should consider the WTL Simplex. I have the Amadeus and I would consider it's performance to be outstanding.
Shakey
Shakey
Choices, turntable purchase choices?
Marantz TT-15S1. It's sourced from Clearaudio, has a special ebony wand version of one of its tonearms, and includes (mounted and aligned) an ebony-bodied premium Clearaudio MM cartridge (I think it's a Virtuoso) with a retail value around $850. The whole package retails at $1499 and is available many places. |
I don't know the cost of the low end Kuzma or Nottingham models, but I would think both companies make something at the upper end of your price range, and I would personally choose either over the ones you've mentioned. Also, you can get some really great tables for $2K, if you are willing to buy a second-hand item. Then too, there's.... Lenco and the weird wild world of direct-drive. |
In that case, that could take you back to the Clearaudio Concept. Instead of the entry-level MM Concept cartridge, the relatively expensive MC Concept, or the substitute Ortofon Blue, consider the Audio Technica AT150MLX. It's not much more than the Blue but performs more like something in the $600-800 range. Some audio reviewers consider it to be one of the best cartridges under $1000 and The Absolute Sound named it the 2011 Cartridge of the Year. I've been living with mine for 4 years and it's *at least* the equal of the Rega Exact. Replaceable stylus, too. The compelling testimony *is* that I've been living with it for four years and have no urge or desire to change it. As long as you give it a total capacitive load between 100 and 200 pF, it offers up a high resolution presentation that is full-bodied but not bloated, detailed but not unnaturally so. |