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Need help: turntable market in the $1500-$2000 range is overwhelming

I’m looking for a new turntable. Had a Dual 1229 years ago but it broke and I got out of vinyl and all that. Got a crappy Audio-Technica around the holidays last year because I thought I’d digitize my records but I don’t feel like doing that anymore and it’s a fiddly turntable that doesn’t sound great. I’m giving myself $1500-$2000 to jump in with the expectation of buying something that’ll keep me happy for a few years.

Sorry, but no Technics tables please!!!! Black or silver. They all look like my crappy Audio-Technica and I’m going to be shallow and say looks matter and that I’m agnostic at best about direct drive. Yeah, I’m dumb.

So in the price range I’ve established I’ve looked at and found interesting offerings from:

—SOTA
—Rega
—Pro-Ject
—Music Hall
—Clearaudio
—Marantz

And what feels like a zillion others.

So how the hell do I choose in a market flooded with tables in my price range? 

Oh, and sure, tell me how stupid I am for not wanting a Technics like I keep seeing recommended on the forum, but I’m not going to buy one so please help me with another offering if you can!!!

And I’d prefer to buy new so I can work with a dealer or manufacturer if there are any issues.....
larshepping
lewm
13,017 posts
 
The OP wrote, "I’m agnostic at best about direct drive. Yeah, I’m dumb."You might have a point that this statement does not entirely rule out DD. My own point is that if someone wants to buy one of those cookie-cutter belt-drives, I let them.  As you know, I also have my reservations about your regular practice of recommending vintage DD's to a neophyte vinylista. But I know your heart is in the right place.
stereoisomer
41 posts
 
I do not see Linn in your list. With your price range, it should be, I would think. That gets you the LP-12, a top tone arm and cartridge, if I'm not mistaken. Where vinyl comes in, I always ask myself what am I listening to with it? Led Zeppelin IV or a violin string quartet? For vinyl, that really makes a difference.
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,501 posts
 
It's a mistake to think one drive system is better than others, when the truth is some turntables are better than others. 
lewm
13,017 posts
 
Yeah.  Some direct-drive turntables are better than others.  Just kidding, Russ. I really do agree with you. 
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Read the OP's opening thread...he has nothing against AT or Technics other than the looks. I'm not going to pretend to have heard all of these, but my thoughts are Well Tempered, Mo-Fi, or SOTA. 
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