2. analog
  3. 126816-1644

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
 

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.
sbm604
32 posts
 
Vpi vpi traveler with ortofon 2m blue for $1135 from soundstage direct. New love affair with old vinyl. 

hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog
185 posts
 
In my opinion, you're better off allocating as much as your comfortable with towards the cartridge. I believe you estimated 20% listening would be vinyl. With clean, undamaged lp's, retipping should be many years down the road. I have the version 1 Virtuoso on my Aries Scout, and the sound quality is fantastic. Like you, I have a low tolerance for brightness in a system. Have you considered the Pioneer PLX-1000? While I haven't heard it, there seems to be pretty decent feedback online. While not in vogue these days, a Grado Platinum or Sonata (I've owned both), might be worth considering. 
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

I was surprised to see an ad for Audioengine line of "turntable". They look nice, and the pricing is reasonable, but the models "Orbit Plus" and "Orbit Special" are pre-packed with "the same old same old":  Ortofon OM5e on the Plus and the universal 2M RED on the Orbit Special 

Neither cartridge sends me into "orbit"   Does anyone own or  auditioned one of these "bad boys" ??    Thanks,  SJ 

More to discover