Recomendation on turntable for less than $1500


Well, after 44 years I'm ready to replace my Thorens TD 150. I haven't paid too much attention to equipment lately, but the new Thorens seem to be a different beast.

TTs that caught my eye are:
- VPI Traveler with the Grado cart.
- Clear Audio with the MM option
- One of the Regas, perhaps P3 for a bit less money

I'd appreciate any info from folks who have owned these models or other options in my price range. Thanks

Ric
ricardo
I would suggest that you upgrade your present Thorens with a Rega rb202 or 301 arm and new plinth and arm board, many of which can be had of ebay. I would also add a music hall cruise control 2. By doing this you will match or surpass any table listed above.
If you really feel you need a new table jmsound is selling a well tempered classic for 1200. There is not much out there that compares to this table at or near the asking price.
I tend to agree with the upgrade route as a viable option. I have a 150 mkII. I went out to listen to tables recently for possible replacement and decided that I would have to spend at least double what your budget is to see significant differences across the board. The used VPI and the new RP6 sounds intriguing, but the $1500 suggested upgrades would probably get you the most bang for your dollar. My 2 cents.

kn
Wow, so many options.

WRT upgrading, a number of years ago I upgraded to a Rega RB250 arm, added a heavier plinth, and spent a lot of time tweaking the suspension. Results were very good indeed.

However, I have recently developed a loud hum in the right channel, for no apparent reason. The arm and motor circuit do not share a ground, which I think they did in the original setup. But why the sudden change, I wonder.

In any case, I figure I have so many miles on that motor that it wasn't worth finding someone who could do a full recon for me. I was just going to fool with it myself and see if I could get rid of the hum. Plus, I managed to break the lift tab off the tone arm while I fiddled with the internal wiring.

I guess I'll keep look and keep fiddling. Thanks for all the suggestions.