Recomendation on turntable for less than $1500

I tend to agree with the upgrade route as a viable option. I have a 150 mkII. I went out to listen to tables recently for possible replacement and decided that I would have to spend at least double what your budget is to see significant differences across the board. The used VPI and the new RP6 sounds intriguing, but the $1500 suggested upgrades would probably get you the most bang for your dollar. My 2 cents.

kn

Wow, so many options.

WRT upgrading, a number of years ago I upgraded to a Rega RB250 arm, added a heavier plinth, and spent a lot of time tweaking the suspension. Results were very good indeed.

However, I have recently developed a loud hum in the right channel, for no apparent reason. The arm and motor circuit do not share a ground, which I think they did in the original setup. But why the sudden change, I wonder.

In any case, I figure I have so many miles on that motor that it wasn't worth finding someone who could do a full recon for me. I was just going to fool with it myself and see if I could get rid of the hum. Plus, I managed to break the lift tab off the tone arm while I fiddled with the internal wiring.

I guess I'll keep look and keep fiddling. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Go with the well tempered classic if your not into maintaining your current set up. You will not be disappointed.

Btw......if your only worried about 5 he motor in your current rig why not just buy a spare at well under 100. Fixing your ground problem is easy and shouldn't cost much or take much time.

Then, instead, upgrade you phono section or cartridge with the remaining 1400. That will go along way in upgrading your sound.

A totally tweaked out 150 will out perform any of the above mentioned tables and make them sound like broken toys. Well, okay, that is a bit of a hyperbole but, really, it will sound better. Honestly, you would have to spend way more than 1500 to improve upon your current rig.

You know, Raymonda, you're right. I've been a big baby about this. There are a number of combinations discussed in the manual that I did not try for grounding options. And the motor is fine now anyway.

You've inspired me to not give up on my 150. I might even pick up a few more LPs just to add to my motivation.

I wonder if I should upgrade from the original, non-polarized power cord.

Thanks all for the discussion.