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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
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I owned Rega P3-24 for a few years; It was replaced by the RP-3; now that has been replaced by Planar P3.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.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Boofer,  No problem.   I did check with Sumiko which I discovered is the USA distributor for Project.  I asked the tech rep if the Project RPM-3 could be order with the Blue Point Special Evo III  He claimed no and seemed a bit unsure. 

Nevertheless, I saw an ad on AG for a Music Hall 7.3 with a Ortofon Bronze cartridge, but it was  more money than Project RPM-3.  I ask internet vendor  the same question about the  Project and whether the Evo III could be substituted for BP-2. for $50.00 more;  his reply  did not make much sense so I did pursue.the issue 

I think issue about making such a substitution, is  that Project probably buys BP-2 by the ton which reduces their best column "COST" to half or better. As I mentioned before, the 2BXpression comes with a choice of either the BP-2 or the BPS Evo III ( the latter has a high and low out put version) Audio Advisor sells it either way for $1599  which seems a bit strange considering the Evo III's retail is 50.00 more than BP-2.

 I wish they had given that option with the RMP-3. However, they probably want customers to step -up and buy the 2BXpression table if you want the better cartridge, and so collect $600 more. In comparison, 2B Expression probably is a better sounding table with better specs

However, I am going to check out the new Rega Planar P3 table on their website  Nevertheless, thanks for you advice.

bpoletti
1,555 posts
 
Comparing the tables is really a matter of preference.  Some people really like all the colorations introduced by Rega tables.  Others prefer the more neutral performance of the Merrills.

The Jelco SA-750 is a significantly better arm than the -250.  Both are good, but the -750 is well worth the price difference.
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