Help me pick a phono, pre and cart

“I was just at John Rutan’s a couple of weeks ago, listening to the new Ayre EX-8 integrated.
As far as TT’s go, he carries VPI, and Clear Audio, which is the reason I was considering a Prime TT. It seems difficult to find places where I can audition A/B comparisons on turntables. Never mind cartridges.”

Audio Connection also carries Rega, AMG and Music Hall TT’s. For vinyl I would talk to Nick, he’s the analog guru there. Nick will let you try some phono stages at home as well.

I meant to add that I don’t think they have any VPI’s, set up at Audio Connection, though I know they recently sold a few Prime’s. 

@joey54 Thanks, as I recall he has blonde hair and glasses.
I figure that I’ll buy my phono pre and so I can audition with my amps.

I would appreciate if anyone can comment on the tables these brands offer as I’d like to buy from Audio Connection; both because I like John, and because he’ll give me a discount since I plan to buy Quatro CTs at the same time.  Although that doesn’t mean I’ve decided against the Technics SL1200G or a different used TT, although again, I hesitate to buy used since I can’t audition, although I guess I could re-sell. Thanks 

Yes, thats Nick. He can give you a good idea of the differences in sound between the VPI's and the Clearaudio's.

Clearaudio makes a number of good turntable depending upon your budget. Given your budget I would suggest the Clearaudio Performance DC turntable. Audio Connection can give you a discount on a cartridge as well if you buy it with your table and choose any cartridge that Musical Surrounding sells. If you go with the AT that probably won't apply.

The one thing I have learned is that you'll want a phono stage that is highly adjustable if you want to use a moving coil cartridge. Loading can make the difference in SQ. I was interested in the Ayre phono stage as well but it did not have the correct loading available for my AMG cartridge and I ended up with a Musical Surrounding Nova II. I would like to upgrade to the Aesthetix Rhea, eventually.

I have done a comparison between a VPI Prime, not the signature version, and the Clearaudio Performance DC in my home system and I preferred the Clearaudio. YMMV and I urge you to hear them both. Your listening priorities and mine may be different. For me the Clearaudio sounded much more natural however, they did not have the same cartridge on them so it really wasn't apples to apples. 

@jetson this is where I believe it is very necessary to have a trusting relationship with your dealer. Johnny R is IMO that kind of dealer - they disply the 7 and Richard who is a hyper fan of Vinyl stops by there and listens and they get great sound...
my Basis came thru him to @ctsooner ( Pete ) but you are on right track listening to it as a system there trying to discern one phono pre from another when most if not all the other gear changes is madness...