I’d avoid the Carbon or any other Pro-Ject. Every time I see one in person the look & feel quality sucks. I’d look towards Rega at those price points -- at least you get a good arm, and a platter material that won't grab hold of an MC cartridge's large magnet (if you are so foolish to choose such a pairing) . And I’d also be wary of the Mani, which seems over-hyped. Not everything Schiit is gold (and I own a Yggdrasil).