Audio Technica VM540ML v. N97xe Jico SAS

Chakster, it sounds mouth watering, but a bit too much $$. Maybe if The Nagaoka doesn't thrill me I will save up for the Garrett.

garrOtt, not garrEtt :) 
It's Australian AU$600 = US$ 426 on their website 

opps, my bad...Still a couple hundred more than the Nag. If Garrott could have their stuff on amazon with prime shipping that would be a plus, as well.

Again, may consider it if I don't like the nag (I have a good feeling about it, though)

The Nagaoka MP-150 is incredible! I’m only a few records in but the music and emotion is back big time. It’s crazy how the music is just leaping off the vinyl. It’s punchy and dynamic and the mids are smooth and great bass as well. The detail is there but no harshness at all...this is the real deal...

Yup +1 Nag MP150.  Put mine back in yesterday and enjoying it. Compared to any other MM I have, this one is totaly satisfying top to bottom and tracks like a champ at 1.748 g.