Calling all analog experts

Nice dilemma you have, there are lots of good 'tables on the market. I've heard most of the front ends you've listed, but again arm and cartridges are always different so it's very hard to say which is "best".

My choice would be an Oracle Delphi V with a SME Series V arm and a Koetsu pick-up. My boss has this set up and it's the best front end I've heard yet. Visually stunning, easy to tweak, and offers outstanding performance. Seems like Oracle isn't that well thought of here on the 'Gon, they are rarely mentioned. Don't let that dissuade you.

Cartridges are funny cuz they interact with every part of the analog chain, you may want to check with Phonomenon and see what they recommend? Enjoy! Jeff

Jsonic, I feel it is better than the RB300-600 and on par with the 900(if not better.)( Of course, I've read numerous articles that have said the RB250 w/ Incognito wiring is better than the other Rega arms-who knows-can't try everything) I don't know about the Graham. The JMW seems to form one of those synergy's on the Scout. Most of the Mags are pretty high on it---for what that is worth. I do think is pretty much unbeatable for the bucks, especially with a little discount. Ultimately---you have to be the judge.

Jsonic, I've done plenty of raving on the Teres tables in the past, so I won't bore everyone with that again. They are great, and they are low cost(as high end TTs go). Buy anything else, and risk getting beat by a Teres in an A/B. 'Nuff said.

As far as the arms go, I would say that interest in anything higher in the Rega line than a fully OL modded RB250 should be redirected at the OL tonearm lineup. These start at about $800 retail and go up. Performance is high.

I won't comment on the JMW arms, other than to say that I only buy gimbal-bearing arms, and shy away from unipivots of any type, for my own reasons regarding tonearm design criteria.

Twl:

I knew that it'd only be a matter of time before your welcome advice would materialize. My dealer says that when making an investment in a high end tt it's best to buy from a company that's been around for a while (of course he doesn't sell Teres) and has a track record. Teres tables are beautiful although I've only seen pictures. I don't know anyone who has one and can't imagine where I could even listen to one. I live in Northern N.J. They aren't cheap and I don't often see used ones offered for sale. My dealer sells Avid, Clearaudio Basis and possibly VPI. What are your opinions on Linn and Nottingham? I appreciate your input and BTW am happy for you regarding your new career. Congrats!

Jsonic,

Good advice from all the above. I'll echo Twl's advice with the unseemly enthusiasm of a new Teres owner. Clearly there's some risk in buying from a younger company, but the performance advantages overwhelmed those concerns for me. FWIW, Chris Brady addresses reliability and service quite well on his website.

You didn't mention a budget, but if $1500+ is available for a table I don't think you will match a Teres. Come listen to mine in CT and you'll know why used ones are so rare. OTOH, if you're more comfortable in the mainstream many say Nott' offers great bang for the buck.

Teres, OL and Shelter all provide superior performance while controlling costs by avoiding the mainstream distributor/dealer/big magazine ad channels. If you're able to accept that risk, the musical rewards will be higher.

YMMV of course. Enjoy the hunt and whatever prey you find!