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Is the Merill "Gem Dandy" turntable far superior in sound than the Project RPM-3 TT??

I am thinking of selling my Thorens TD 145 which was upgraded, but has overstayed its welcome on my audio rack. Therefore,   I have initially looked at the Project RPM-3 turntable which has been improved and is also packaged with a Sumiko Blue Point 2 moving coil. The official retail is $ 999.00 on Audio Adviser and the Needle Doctor


However, I read a recent review in Stereophile about  George Merrill's "Gem Dandy" turntable which retails for $1695 with A Jelco SA-750 (9 inch tonearm), or $1495 with the Jelco SA-250 ( 9 inch  tonearm)  Both  DON'T COME WITH A CARTRIDGE.  I have seen a few already on sale used on Audiogon.

Would like some feedback from any member about either the Project table cited above or the two Merrill tables with different tonearms.   Will either of the Merrill tables be far superior to the Project in sound quality?? And is it worth the extra money, plus a quality cartridge would have to be added.with the Merrill's TT. which ups the bottom line in price 

Thank you

    

sunnyjim
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Thanks to all who have responded so far.  i appreciate your suggestions

To boofer,  I really don't change cartridges that often. My only concern with the Project RPM-3 is its overall performance;. and, I wished it was packaged with the Sumiko Blue Point Evo III which is supposedly a better sounding cartridge than the BP-2 and only retails for $50.00 more.

 The more "traditional" looking. Project's 2Xperience SB is packaged with either one but  the package retails for $1599 through several internet buyers. That is a $600 jump.  I am sure  latter table may sound better and comes with a dustcover, but is worth $600. more

boofer
86 posts
 
I personally don't care for the Project arm's fishline antiskating system., Also, for reasons I have stated, I like a detachable headshell, as I interchange 15 different cartridges. Have you considered Regas, as they come with a dustcovere [but so does the2Experience, which may be your best bet.] Sounds like you want a MC cartridge, and I guess most people don't care about the fishline.
boofer
86 posts
 
The new model Rega planar 3 is highly reviewed and you can purchase it at Needle doctor and upgrade to the evo3 for less than  $1600 ; they will install the cartridge, make sure  all set up parameters are correct, etc., and also provide free shipping. The  knowledgeable technicians will also provide over the phone consultations. Just say'n.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Boofer, Thank you for heads up about Rega Planar 3.  I wish Rega would stop changing models so quickly.

I owned Rega P3-24 for a few years; It was replaced by the RP-3; now that has been replaced by Planar P3.  I assume that this table is going to be  far superior than my previous Rega P3-24. If not, then  it is  not worth it.   However, I will check out the Rega's website to see if the new P3 is available. 

BTW, the Project RPM-3 does not use  "fishline" anti-skating.. which I also don't like..   Thanks   

boofer
86 posts
 
I stand corrected! I looked at a video of the RPM3 and it clearly shows the more traditional antiskating dial in mechanism. Why don't you talk to one of the technicians and see how much more the Evo 3 would be ?  I've owned the Planar 3 and 5, RP6 and 8, also a Music Hall 5.1 SE and Project Expression 3. At the $1000 or so price point, I also would go with your first choice.
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