bierfeldt
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Turntable and Cartridge for under $1000
tom collins
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you have named one of the usual suspects.  i had a lot of luck with a rega p2 and grado red cartridge when i ventured back into vinyl.  the rega p2 has been replaced with the rp1 and upgrade kit that includes a better rega cartridge.  john atkinson has written about it in this month's magazine and stephen has written about it in this website too. read the article.

bierfeldt
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My question is whether I can use a SpeedBox II with it.  I have a lot of 45s and would likely find a manual switch to be very annoying. The Pro-Ject site says it will work with other manufacters equipment.  Confirmation from an owner would be great though. 

I am thinking that I need to find a store where I can listen to those three turntables.  Thank you for the tip. 

drjjpdc
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I recently picked up the Clearaudio Concept and it is a great TT and very little that I have heard can touch it for the money. For $1500 you can get a whole setup including a MM cart. It has a magnetic bearing and 3 speeds (33 1/3; 45; and 78) and looks great.

John

bierfeldt
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I am going to orderd a new Pro-Ject Expression III.  The question is what cartridge to go with.

TSuellentrop
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I have been a proud owner of the Pro-Ject RM-5.1 SE for a couple weeks now and think it's a killer value for a grand.  Comes with the Sumiko Blue Point No.2. I would really look into it.

I will note I upgraded from a Debut III to this. Worth it.

bierfeldt
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I purchased an Xpression off of ebay with an Ortofon Blue after losing out on a Rega P3 and a Planar 25.  The person I bought it from took no precautions when packing it.  The transport screws weren't inserted, the tone arm wasn't secured, they left the counter weight on, etc....  $300 worth of obvious damage and no telling what other issues might exist.  Had to go through ebay for the return and am not doing that again. 

Unfortunately or fortunately depending on your perspective, the Xpression is on backorder.  I am going with the Rega P3 with an Elys 2 Cartridge.  $950, a bit more than the Xpression but it has a better tone arm and the Elys 2 cartridge is supposed to be fantastic.  Would have loved to have stepped up to the Clearaudio but just couldn't talk my wife into the extra money. 

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