Which TT the Pro-Ject RM-5 SE or Rega P3-24?

The quality of the playback is more dependent on the recording itself. You may have CDs that sound far superior to LPs, and vice versa.

Unless you already own a vinyl collection, I believe that the potential of accumulating a superior collection of vinyl is slim. It will also be substantially more expensive than collecting the same music on CD.

Something to consider before diving in.

Of the two tables mentioned, I would choose the Rega, but I also believe you can do better than the Rega for $1000.

Tvad, what would you recommend at that price point other than the Rega?

One of these if another one becomes available.

I would disagree that it is harder to collect vinyl. There is plenty of great vinyl out there to be had - I have easily almost tripled my collection in the last six months, spending far less than I would have paid for the equivalent amount on CD. The Rega is definitely far better than the Project, too, as everyone said.

About 20% of the vinyl I have purchased in the past two years has been worth a
damn. The rest has been crap, although advertised as near mint or better. My
vinyl purchases have nearly ceased as a result of my lack of trust in what sellers
claim.

In the meantime, I have purchased some truly exceptional CDs.

To each his own. We all have different standards of acceptability. I have little
tolerance for surface noise, and I have zero tolerance for clicks and pops.