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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 fjn04,  Well at least I can be accused of picking on audio reviews.  No doubt  Reichert knows his stuff, but he presents it like a show-off. He needs to put away his lavender Lava Lamp.  BTW, thanks for the endorsement of the "U Turn" turntables.  It looks like a righteous product


To Johhnyb53,  Thank you for the information about the Pioneer SLX 1000/ AT 150SA set-up.  I just bought a Moon LP-110 phono box through Music Direct on sale for $325.00.  Can the Schiit Mani compete with the Moon unit??  

I might consider the AT for the "U-Turn" turntable I mentioned above.  However, I was thinking of replacing the Ortofon 2M RED  which it can be pre-mounted  with a Denon DL-110  or DL 103.  

BTW, there is vendor on ebay whose selling new DL-103 for  $159.00 and the DL-110 for 179.00. He appears trustworthy and  not a private party seller,  but, who knows??  I hope  ebay vets its vendors better than Uber does its drivers  SJ 

stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Johnnyb5,

You are RIGHT ON brother. The designers of the SL1200 knew functionality and performance could be generated in a single package when properly architected and implemented. Not to mention that these tables have some of the lowest wow and flutter figures in the industry and of all time, regardless of makes, models or price. I have a VPI Aries ll and I will put either of my purchased new in box or previously owned 1200s up against it any day. In fact, they have more dynamic punch and superior pace than the VPI. Also, people tend to poo poo the arm but it too is of high quality and correctly implemented. No weakness there. The bearings are high quality and the noise and vibration isolation from the plinth is superb. No wonder these high end tables were adopted for rugged DJ use, they could stand up to the task and perform flawlessly year after year. This table is a high end table first and a DJ table second. No doubt about it. And no maker has equated the direct drive circuitry or precision machining of the 1200 series.

Go ahead and deny that I know what I’m talking about. I know what I hear from MANY years of listening to records/LPs/vinyl with many different so-called high end rigs.

Happy New Year!

Steve
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
SJ- That was Wolf_garcia…. I have never heard a U-turn. I just copied his comments, and commented on what he said. I'm sure the U-Turn is good for the money. 
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Case Closed, I bought the U-Turn TT with the acrylic platter and the Ortofon 2M cartridge, which be replaced  fairly soon with the Denon DL-110 MC   Thanks to all who provided advice and recommendations   SJ
mesch
3,529 posts
 
Glad to hear your journey has ended. Please let us know what you think after you have some experience with your new TT. 
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