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Best sounding turntable and cartridge for $1100

I have seen a lot of turntable and cartridges packages in  $1000- $1100, such as the Project RPM3 with the Sumiko BP-2 MC.   Project Xperience 1 with a Sumiko Pearl MM;  Rega Planar 3 with a Elys II cartridge. 

 I have formerly owned a Rega 3-24 with Elys II  and a Project Carbon DC with Ortofon 2M Red (which I did not like at all) . Would like to try something different, but can live with the above brands depending on their overall performance 

Need recommendations for turntable/cartridge new or used combo that punches far above its price of  $1100.  Thank you

   

sunnyjim
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

To Wolf Garcia, I have seem this model in Audio Advisor, and Sound StageDirect. But neither is dealing at this time, and even if they did, it would be only 5%.  The cartridge billed as the "Silver" Ortofon implies it is a member of their 2M line.  Possibly, but  I think it might be more like a half step above the 2M RED, but lower performance than the 2M Blue which I owned and sold because it scoops up LP surface noise like a vacuum cleaner. 

I think you would be better served for a hundred dollars, at $999  with the "bare bones" RPM 3 pre-packed with a Sumiko BP-2 MC which has received very good reviews.

 However, be careful, because Project looks like they are backing off of prepacking the table with that spike, and reserving it for the more expensive RPM 5.  I saw some evidence of this change in the new Music Direct catalogue . Good Luck,    SJ

sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
@sunnyjim So no comment or reaction regarding the Technics modded SL1200 suggestions?  Read up on these before you blow it off and say I'm crazy. There are a large number who're happy that they've gone that route. Cheers,
Spencer
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

To sbank.  I have seen a couple of used SL-1200 on AG, ebay, and The Music Room.  I am NOT blowing off your suggestion and don't think you are crazy either.

I  am not sure I want to go the modded TT route. It will or could be expensive, and do I really want a table that has dance club speed and pitch controller. 

Technics should build the same table without the  speed and pitch control, and put the dollars into a better tonearm  or  drive motor.. The TT would be less expensive, and could still compete with tables in its price range, it not higher.   Thanks again 

mb1audio02
188 posts
 
sunnyjim,

This is off topic, but I noticed you do a lot of research on gear before making a purchase. Also, in another thread of your's, I'm pretty sure I mentioned that you should find some old copies of The Audio Perfectionist Journal because they talk about your Ayre CD player. Its not in print anymore because the person who published it died a couple of years ago. As it turns out, Vandersteen got permission to make the journal available to anyone who wants it. He lists all the issues for free on his website. Aside from reviewing your Ayre, APJ in my opinion, is the best resource for high end audio I've ever seen. By far. You definately want to check it out.

http://vandersteen.com//audio-perfectionist-journal

sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
@sunnyjim Yes, I agree about not preferring speed/pitch adjustments, and disabling that is one of the common mods. The motor is very robust and one of the strengths of the 1200. Remember this wasn't built for the DJ market, it was designed as a mid-to-highend table and was adopted by DJs etc. because it was so reliable, speed-stable and durably built. These are all good reasons for the modder/tweaker community to embrace it over most others. Only doing a total plinth replacement and more on a SP10, Garrard 301/401 or Lenco 75 is a likely better option for going from something that can evolve into a great table from modest beginnings. The 1200 is the only of these that fits many budgets and that's why there's such a community of shared experience to make it feasible on the cheap. Okay, I'm done ;-) Cheers,
Spencer
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