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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
Post removed 
rooster
4 posts
 
Blackbird can sound a bit thin.....
Classic is a "classic choice" super tables and upgradeable..
worth the wait for one
Moving coils Dynavector,or lyra are really nice
audiohound
6 posts
 
I recently purchased a VPI Classic with a Benz glider (.8mv) cartridge. The combination of turntable and cartridge works great. I haven't listened to a CD since I received the VPI and the CD player I currently own is very good (Cambridge 840C). The Benz and Dynavector cartridges work very well with the VPI 10.5 arm. I would highly recommend waiting for the Classic and matching it with a an upper-end Benz or Dynavector cartridge.
chosenhandle
63 posts
 
Kuzma Stabi S package w/table, arm goes for about $3200, I think. Lots of great carts have been mentioned here so far.
andy_p
27 posts
 
I bought a VPI aries 1 with sds speed control jmw 10 arm, upgraded motor and original platter for $2500. The Kuzma Stabi S was and still is a temptation. While I would have a hard time buying a "new" audio product the vpi classic which I haven't heard looks great. I bought the aries on audiogon, I was looking online at one from audio classics in binghamton ny for $2300. I had owned a linn lp12 with rega rb300 tonearm which I really liked but didn't like the maintenance and set-up interface and didn't want to put money into the upgrades. My only other table was a rega p3. I have to admit I am a sucker for any table that has a modular upgrade path like the vpi tables. So my experience is limited but I have been very with the vpi aries
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