3k budget for Turntable and Phono Noob- do I need external power supplies?

@audiocanada

l bet you are feeling a bit bamboozled with all the advice by now.

My advice would be something l don’t believe has been mentioned.

Go to some high street dealers and see what trade ins are up for grabs. You will get some quality choices and probably a few demonstrations as the dealer will want a sale. You could even widen your choice which is another learning curve. Remember too, second hand gear is a buyers market which gives you a strong bargaining position. Remember also that when buying new, dealers more often than not have to adhere to manufacturers stipulated retail prices.

I would recommend you find out what you want, and buy well looked after second hand gear. Look at hi-fi dealers and the open used market. You could more than double your buying power!
You could get your system for half the price or extending your choice to more expensive kit avoiding a future upgrade completely.

One thing for sure is. If sold on later you will never loose as much as you would have if originally purchased at full retail.

the Rega P3 SE has the new Nd5 cartridge. Very smooth. But Pro-ject is solid too, enoy! 

Music Hall turntables are rarely mentioned by Agoners, wonder if any good for the money

I had Music Hall, it sounded ok but the few things that could break did break on it within a year

Just take the deal with the X2B and be done with it.