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Best sounding turntable and cartridge for $1100

I have seen a lot of turntable and cartridges packages in  $1000- $1100, such as the Project RPM3 with the Sumiko BP-2 MC.   Project Xperience 1 with a Sumiko Pearl MM;  Rega Planar 3 with a Elys II cartridge. 

 I have formerly owned a Rega 3-24 with Elys II  and a Project Carbon DC with Ortofon 2M Red (which I did not like at all) . Would like to try something different, but can live with the above brands depending on their overall performance 

Need recommendations for turntable/cartridge new or used combo that punches far above its price of  $1100.  Thank you

   

sunnyjim
rikintpa
20 posts
 
My suggestion is get a Thorens TD-125, 145 or 160 or an old AR Table have them modified and or restored.  Then go with an Ortofon Blue or Bronze or maybe a Denon 103R if you can have a Moving Coil Cart in your set-up.  To replace those tables today (if set up right) would cost you 4Xs the amount you would spend on an "old Table"! 
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,545 posts
 
sunnyjim,

My experience with the Denon was on a direct drive Pioneer TT. At that early part of my audio endeavors, I had no other options to try that cartridge with. All I can tell you now is it "woke" me up as to what has proved to be a fun hobby and on-going journey.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

rikintpa,  Thanks for the comment, but I recently owned a refurbished and and upgraded Thorens TD-145 . The TP-16 tonearm is junk, and the headshell makes it difficult to mount a cartridge from the bottom up I had to buy a new one for 85.00 from Vinyl Engine.  The table bounced to the slightest footfalls, though placed on a solid audio rack and isolation platform.  The "pick-up and stop" feature worked sometimes To its only credit it was dead quiet. I had a AT 440MLb cartridge on it which sounded decent. However, that is my first and last venture into the world of vintage restored turntables.

There is member on AG selling with a restored ThorensTD-124 which looks solid and beautiful . I have tracked this item for two months. He has moved from an initial selling price of $1195 to a current price of $845  Speaks volumes about these vintage money pits.

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Sorry, back again, Does anyone have feedback about the Musical Fidelity "Roundtable TT??  It looks solid, but so did the HMS Titanic.  It comes with an AT95E.  It is on a closeout  sale for $299.99 on Music Direct 


However, might its tonearm support and work with a Denon DL-110?

I realize I have lowered my expectations from my earlier list of choices, but I am tired looking. I can't even find a deal on decent  Music Hall 5.1 with the carbon fiber arm and their Magic 3 cartridge for less than $799. The table was discontinued a year ago according to Roy Hall   Thanks to all,  SJ  

sjtm
92 posts
 
Be patient.  Last year I picked up a like new Music Hall MMF 9.1 with a
Grado Prestige Gold cart for $750 on Audiogon.  Sounded great.  Then found a gently used Dynavector 10x5 cart for $275.  Combination is wonderful.  Sooner or later the right TT will show up on AG

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