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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
 
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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wolf_garcia
6,708 posts
 
When SOTA puts a Rega arm on their tables do they make it VTA adjustable? I assume not as I've looked at their site…but still wonder as the lack of VTA keeps me from Rega, and shims seem lame.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
 To wolf-garcia   I doubt if any Rega  tonearms  in 200 and 300 series have adjustable VTA.   I owned a Rega P3-24 and did not see a VTA adjustment on the tonearm, or a height adjustment feature
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Has any one owned a Marantz 15S1 turntable with the Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridge. The cartridge is now $950 at retail.  Seems like a lot of cartridge for this level of table which was made by Clearaudio for Marantz   

The "last" retail of the combo was  $1599 before it was discontinued.  Music Direct had a  few "factory refurbed" ones on sale $1000 on Black Friday.

 Does anyone know how it might compare to some of the other tables mentioned in this thread??   Thanks, SJ

boofer
86 posts
 
Of  all the options you have mentioned I believe this is the best  one if you can  stilll get the package for $1000, not so sure for  $1599! As I stated in a previous post, my Virtuoso retip was $150  3 or 4 years ago and $250  for the 2nd retip earlier this year I do hope you inform us when you've made your purchase.
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