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Best sounding turntable and cartridge for $1100

I have seen a lot of turntable and cartridges packages in  $1000- $1100, such as the Project RPM3 with the Sumiko BP-2 MC.   Project Xperience 1 with a Sumiko Pearl MM;  Rega Planar 3 with a Elys II cartridge. 

 I have formerly owned a Rega 3-24 with Elys II  and a Project Carbon DC with Ortofon 2M Red (which I did not like at all) . Would like to try something different, but can live with the above brands depending on their overall performance 

Need recommendations for turntable/cartridge new or used combo that punches far above its price of  $1100.  Thank you

   

sunnyjim
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,404 posts
 
Just saw this sorry....As far as I know you cannot replace the stylus on the AT OC9MLII though I'm sure you could get a retip from Soundsmith. The OC9 can usually be found here for about $250 and I see VPI Scouts all the time so you should not have trouble putting this combo together used fairly easily and for around $1200 bucks.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

To mesch: I owned a Sonograph TT in 1988 when I was able to buy my first high end system.   It was a nice little table. I eventually moved up to VPI HR 19 Jr TT, when VPI provided a dustcover and even a set Allen wrenches to adjust the tonearm height.   Now on some their table , you are lucky if you get phono cables.

To dodgealum. I have read AT OC9 is a wonderful sounding cartridge, but like the upper level Ortofon 2M series cartridge line replacement styli are too expensive. I will check out your recommendation.

mesch
3,476 posts
 
Sunny, my SG-3 was purchased in 1983 and the original version as manufactured by the Portland Oregon company prior to Conrad Johnson buying out Sonograph. I purchased it from a dealer friend of mine after the Portland Co. failed. I believe the cost of production on that TT exceeded it's $400 asking price. 

I remain curious as to the sonic value of this TT/arm combination compared to the sub $1000 tables offered today.
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,404 posts
 
Just saw an OC9MLII come on this site. The asking is almost $400 which to me is way to high. I had one in beautiful shape that I sold for $200 here several months ago and was happy with what I got. 
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Don't know about the TT as I think there are a great number of good options but the Denon DL-110 is a great value cartridge and suitable for a medium mass arm. That leaves you $850 for the TT.
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