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Help with Turntable/arm/cart decision

Hello Audiogoners please help me with a NEW turntable purchase. System is McIntosh C2200 pre with MC352 amp. Speakers are Dynaudio Contour 3.0's. OK, looking for a complete new turntable with tonearm and a cartridge for under $5,000. So far I am looking at: Clearaudio Performance DC w/verify tonearm, Pro-Ject Xtension 10 w/10cc EVO arm. I would like to be able to use my MM phono input through the C2200, I would consider an external phono pre if needed. I really like MC carts over MM's not sure why.....maybe mc seems to me to be more accurate and dynamic?? Or maybe I haven't heard a great MM. Tables I have had in the past are....Thornes TD160 w/TP16 tonearm with Grado Prestige woodbody, I think. Also, Rega P3 w/RB301 tonearm and a Dynavector 10X5. Help, I want something up a level or 2 from these, if possible?
128x128mattmiller
qdrone
1,039 posts
 
You also have the option for a HOMC cartridge which should work in your MM input.Their are some out there. The Sumiko Blackbird HOMC received excellent reviews from Absolute Sound and Fremer.You can find them on the used market between 800 and a grand.
I use HOMC and love it although mine is an 89 model.
effischer
562 posts
 
Give consideration to Sota, as well. Nice tables, well isolated and reasonably priced. A refurbished Sapphire can be as little as $1700, which leaves a lot left over for arm and cartridge. Make sure you get an arm with easily adjustable VTA - it makes a world of difference. Auditions would be best if you can arrange them. Good luck & happy listening!
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I went with a basic Basis with Benz cart. If you can find a Basis used with vector arm and a Dynavector cart, you have a winner. AJ's support is also great.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller OP
1,497 posts
 
Thanks all for the responses. Doug, I agree that I have never had the experience of hearing a proper MM/turntable combo so hear is what I did. OK, Pulled the trigger on dumping the Thornes TD 160 to the used market. I ordered a Pro-ject Xtension 10 with a Clearaudio Maestro V2 ebony MM cart. This way I don't have to buy a external phono preamp ..YET. I am very interested to see how this combo sounds. My priorities when ordering this was to simplify and enhance the quality of vinyl playback. Also, to bring up the level of the analogue source to be more in line with the other components in the system. More to come later.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
For a MM cartridge, that's a nice one. Musical and very smooth.
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