recommendations for TT + arm + cart, around $3.5k


Hi all - I'm looking to upgrade a Rega P1 to something more substantial. My setup (currently being upgraded):

Focal 1027Be Speaker
Rogue Audio M-180 Tube amp
Peachtree Audio Nova preamp/DAC
Rega P1 with NAD PP2 phono stage

Can anyone recommend some turntables that I should check out? I know comparing the P1 with something in the $3.5k price range is wildly unfair, but FWIW it's sound is too soft for me, so I'm looking for something on the brighter side. I listen to all kinds of music, with the bulk being rock/jazz/country/folk and a little classical of late).

I plan to upgrade the phono stage in the not-too-distant future, but I'd like to get the table sorted first. Budget of, say, $3500 all-in (table + arm + cartridge).

TIA!

Justin
jerico
OK - lots for me to think about here! A couple of suggestions on the Classic, a couple for the Nottinghams, plus some cart suggestions. That's a good start for me.

Thank you, everyone!
My VPI Classic is in a differnt league from the Scoutmaster Sig or the Aries I that I had previously. Much better sounding table.

For you budge pick one of many great cartridges, including the Sumiko Blackbird, or many of the Grado or Dynavectors
I have some radical advice for you: sell your Peachtree and new amp and get a very good integrated and separate phono stage and DAC. For about the same money as you're willing to spend on a TT + Cartridge + Arm, you could provide your speakers with amplification more befitting their abilities, while also upping your DAC and Phono stage. This is the versatile and forwarding thinking approach, as you'll squeeze more out of that TT+Cartridge than your current phon and amp are, plus, it'll allow you to upgrade to a different TT/cart in the future and appreciate an even bigger leap. If you blow your wad on the turntable and cartridge now, you're still left with a so-so phono stage, and and amplification component that seems somewhat mis-matched with your monitors. Sorry if this seems out of line, but that's what I'd do first. My usual chain of equipment is: speaker=>amp=>source=>music=>accesories.
Hi Brookjoo - not out of line at all, I appreciate the feedback. :)

However, I am going to go with a VPI Classic with a Sumiko Blackbird, and a PS Audio GCPH phono pre.

I don't want to go integrated at this point (hence picking up the monoblocks) - so the next step, which I'll hold off on for a few months, will be a replacement for the Nova (likely a standalone preamp and a standalone DAC - then the Nova can take over bedroom duties). But for now, I'm all set.

Thanks for everyone's help!
Heard a vpi classic the other day ........ great table and beautiful to boot ......Probably the first time I actually heard very good/great vinyl ..........It had a Benz cartridge (Don't know the model) running through a ARC phono-stage ..... and ARC amp/pre-amp ..... Good Stuff