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Hola!
I'm a big fan of Michell tables, and they just happen to have a table/arm combo at the top of your price range:
Michell Tecnodec
This Marantz includes an arm and cartdridge for one money. I haven't heard it, but it's OEM'd by Clearaudio.
Marantz Table
I've heard this one from Pro-Ject and it sounded really nice!
Pro-Ject Table
I've also heard this Sota, it is really quiet - in a good way. I liked it alot.
Sota Table
If you can stretch your budget a hair, the VPI Scout is killer...
VPI Scout
I still like the Michell a little better, but this table is a no fuss legitimate High End contender.
VPI also has an upgrade path, as well.
So, lots of tables to think about. I'm not meaning to shill for Music Direct, I just went there for links to use as an example.
I think I could survive with any of those tables.
Best wishes, and keep us posted!
Thanks Buddha for that generous response. You've introduced me to some very appealing turntable choices. I will explore further and let you and other interested parties know what I've learned and come to. Thanks again.
Check out this site if you are truly interested in a Rega Table. These are OEM branded Regas with some interesting options. Enjoy. Moth Turntables and Accessories
All the Music Halls are a great buy at their respective pricepoints as are the Project models. It is amazing how many great turntables there are these days with vinyl being DEAD and all. LOL
Jim, I was just saying to my wife last night about the irony of the monumental strides that have been made in turntables long after vinyl became passe.
How about that, you came in seeking advice before choosing between two or three fine turntables and Buddha gave you a much longer list - all good stuff too. It's a great day for us vinyl lovers. I've had an MMF-7 since before there was a "9" and have never been even close to sorry. I did refit it with a Shure V15vxMR when they were still available and found that an improvement - to my ears - over the supplied cartridge. Set up was duck soup, as will be the case with many of the tables Buddha recommended. You're facing an embarassment of riches. Make a list, and throw a dart.
Before you do, though, have you considered some of the auxillary items you might want in your budget? The MMF-7, for example, benefits from the addition of the Project speed control and also from a replacement mat. How about a phono preamp? Are you set up there? Do you own any kind of record cleaning machine? Perhaps, before you yield to the temptation to go to the top end of your planned budget for the TT alone, you might want to consider some of these enhancements.
What fun, eh? Good luck with your auditioning. We'll be interested in the choice you make.
This is what I decided on: LOL
http://www.teresaudio.com/images/t-360-stand-lg.jpg
Actually I think I am going wtih the VPI Scout. Thanks a lot for your reference. A 35 year audiophile friend called me up while I was online looking at the Scout, the Michell, and the Project. He called me up to tell me to buy the Scout. We hadn't discussed it prior. Coincidence/Synchonicity...?
Clay, Thanks for the additional considerations. I just had delivered a new VPI 16.5 with all kinds of brushes, fluids, etc. I probably have maybe 2000 albums and I figure I'm committed to this. So far an adventure...
My Musical Fidelity Dual Mono integrated amp has a phone stage built in.
Well, I'm thinking the VPI Scout, don't have to go overseas if problems, but the more I look at the JA Michell, the more I like it. Can you tell me anything more to help me decide between the two? Thanks
For a long time, I considered a P9 or an MMF-7 and ended up with a Scoutmaster because I liked the idea that I have an upgrade path. I'm happy with it. I suspect the Scout is a wise choice and will provide you with options should you later get the upgrade bug.
I envy you your Scout. Good move to up the budget.
As for your MF dual mono integrated and its phono stage, mine has one too. After a while, I decided to add the MF X series phono stage and its outboard power supply and go into the amp at line level. Sound improved markedly. Maybe a thought for the future.
If only you could do an audition.
Both companies are reliable and have great business histories.
Michell has a long standing U.S. distributor, and they have been great about product support. I'd consider the logistics to be a tie.
I'm a bit partial to the feel of the Michell, but I love the arm on the Scout and have positive regard for VPI, as well.
Both tables have well insulated/isolated motor/platter relations. Both are known for high quality machine work.
Man, it's a tough call. The good news is that it's a no lose situation!
Try and get your hands on each to see how it feels and sounds.
Sorry to not be definitive, they're both truly Hi-Fi!
Cheapskate, Thanks for the info about the phono stage. I will look into for future consideratio. I hadn't thought or known about this otherwise.
Jeff, Thanks for the input about the Scoutmasterand the upgrade path. I'd like to even go up another notch to the Scoutmaster, but I could get carried away.
Buddha, I think your final point is the saving grace. It is hard to go wrong with either. I'm going to do a little more research and I'll let you all know what I came to. Thanks for all the support...
OK, after all of your considerate input and a fair amount of my own assessing/obsessing, I will be going with a VPI Scout or ScoutMaster. The SM is about $800 more, but is considered by Michael Fremer as "the sweet spot" in the VPI line. It has the bigger platter and other enhancements.
You may want to consider a used Systemdek IIX. It's widely accepted as a giant killer (some consider it better than the Linn). Unlike most of the tables mentioned here it is suspended. You can find one in excellent shape for well under $500 used. (You may also want to consider some Ariston, AR or Thorens models. While most are suspended and belt drive I am not hot on them because they have metal platters and the suspension is adjusted from below. The Systemdek has a glass platter and is adjusted from the top)