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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
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
183 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 

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Thanks to all who have responded and provided many good TT options.

However, I ran across and ad for  "U-Turn Audio turntables" on a Stereophile newsletter. I have never heard of this company, but their website is impressive and offers a slide show of the manufacturing process of their tables  located in Woburn, Massachusetts.

They offer a few models and  a "custom option" where the buyer can pick and choose features.  I priced out  their "Orbit Plus" table  with  Red plinth, acrylic platter, cueing lift, and a Grado Black cartridge (comes with dustcover and phono cables) The total price was $349.00; and $369.00 with the Ortofon 2M RED.. 

No matter I could replace either at some point with something much better.  The pricing seems very reasonable.  Has anyone auditioned or  owned one of these tables. If so, would you know how the U-Turn table might compare to the Music Hall 5.1 table with their own Magic 3 cartridges.??  There are several on sale on AG, and also by some internet vendors, like Music Direct, and Soundstage Direct  

Thanks, SJ    


wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
I have a friend who loves his "U -Turn" although I haven't heard one myself. They're inexpensive and they're made in my current home state of MA (!). If they made them in China they would be free.
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