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Who LOVES their under $ 1000 table combination ?

Okay.....here's the deal. I'm cuerrently driving my Rogue Audio Cronus integrated amp and Vandersteen 1C speakers with an NAD 533 turntable/Rega RB-250 arm/Goldring Elektra cartridge set-up. I was originally toying with the idea of switching to a thick acrylic platter, upgrading the sub-platter, adding shims to change VTA, and replacing the cartridge. .....Then I thought...that's all crazy. I should just buy a whole new set-up. So...what are some recommendations for table/cartridge combo. that will keep me at around $1000.00, sound considerably better than what I have now, and match well with my amp and apeakers ?
adam18
gadfly's avatar
gadfly
194 posts
 
I found a Thorens TD-111 for $150, Modded broadcast tonearm $200, Denon DL103 /w Uwe body for $250, CineMag SUT for $150, Hagerman Bugle Pro for $150, and am now putting together the Hagerman Cornet2 total TBD.

I LOVE the stuff. Sounds great.
kitch29
316 posts
 
My deal was better than your deal.

VPI HW-19 MK IV with SAMA, TNT platter/bearing and SME III with damping trough, Grado Platinum - $1000

Sold the Grado for $150 so now it's $850.

Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood, new-sealed and a great technical match for the arm, $365.

Total excellence = $1215

The marque isn't the point, the point is checking here obsessively and patiently until you get what you want at the price you want to pay and not a $$$ more.
lg1
199 posts
 
I purchased a Music Hall MMF-5 ($650-ish) on the strength of numerous reviews which characterized it as the "giant killer" turntable of the last few years and I must say it has delivered the goods! My CDs are collecting dust. The MMF-7 (or 7.1 now) is a step up and close to the $1000 figure give or take a couple of hundred...
dla405j
14 posts
 
I bought two nice Thorens td-165 and find them better than my rega p3 which is now sold. Also have a Systemdek & Ariston tables...all are suspended design & cost between $100 to $300 with carts so I think you can do better than your Nad. Like you I thought about tweaking my Rega with various upgrades but after hearing my first Systemdek I liked the adventure of different designs and looks in turntables. Several have interchangeable headshells and I have one set up with a mono cart. This offers me more flexibility than the Rega upgrade
larry510
121 posts
 
Hi,

I use a Denon DP 500M TT with the Denon 103R cartridge total cost about $950.00. I love the combo.It tracks well, is very quiet with a black background and has great dynamic range. I fell no need to spend more time or money looking for something better.

I use this with a Project tube box II, Cary SLI80 amp and
Thiel 2.4 speakers. The speakers are especially revealing of any source or ampimperfections.

good listening

Larry
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