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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
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Spenser,  Thank you for the additional information.  SJ
mb1audio02
188 posts
 
A really good TT in your price range that many people seem to overlook, is the Sota Moonbeam. Sells for about $800 with an arm. Use the rest for a cart. 

Sota offers 2 things that I like very much. First is upgrades. They're upgrade selection is probably the best in the industry. Second is trade in policy. They allow you to trade in your TT on a better model, for life. I don't think any other manufacturer has a policy like that.

If you don't have a local dealer, Cable Company sells them. They may even have a demo unit to send you. 
wolf_garcia
6,681 posts
 
Back to my previous query, I’m still thinking about that Pro-Ject "The Classic" table as I can change the cart to something I like (for example, Needle Doc gives you 50 bucks off if you want to bag the Silver thing), it has a lid (unlike the Pro-Ject RM tables), it has BALLS (it does…6 of ’em I think), and it seems cheap-ish for what it is. More reviews are in order to help me decide so GET GOING AUDIO COMMUNITY…my Linn Basik won’t last forever.
mb1audio02
188 posts
 
" Back to my previous query, I’m still thinking about that Pro-Ject "The Classic" table as I can change the cart to something I like (for example, Needle Doc gives you 50 bucks off if you want to bag the Silver thing), it has a lid (unlike the Pro-Ject RM tables), it has BALLS (it does…6 of ’em I think), and it seems cheap-ish for what it is. More reviews are in order to help me decide so GET GOING AUDIO COMMUNITY…my Linn Basik won’t last forever."

I wish I had 6 balls. Its just not fair.

Anyway, It wouldn't be a bad idea to give Cable Company a call. They have a really good selection of vinyl products. See if they can send you some demo's under their loaner program.  
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
To mb1audio02,   Thank you for the heads up about the audio publication via Vandersteen's website.
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I have checked out the Sota Moonbean table . I  think they are working on III version. at $850 The table comes with a OEM Rega 202 (?)  tonearm  and they will set buyers up with a cartridge, like Ortofon 2M Blue, etc ,etc

However, there are two problems if you buy direct from them, they don't discount or very little   And their dealers are scared to discount  

Next,  their upgrade policy is not an important benefit for me. I am too old to take advantage of it.  Even though a dustcover is not a priroity,  Sota does not offer one.  The table may be ranked high, but it looks cheaply made, and I am not sure it offers good value.  However, thank you for the recommendation.  .    
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