Is a PTP Solid 12 (Lenco) worthy of a $5k cartridge

Pani, Contrary to your statement that a souped up Lenco would fall short of a top flight BD, I’d say it’s on par with any BD below $25K. Above $25K, the Lenco would be equal to or superior to many; you’d have to make case by case comparisons. Also, keep in mind, that each of us Lenco lovers is talking about his or her own version of a Lenco. Almost no two of our turntables are the same. Yet we all like them very much. This means to me that Lenco had a great idea that is worthy of the expensive modifications.

Lewm, I meant in the area of quietness and transparency belt drives may better the Lenco. Correct me if I am wrong. 

I have no further comments. You’d have to do the listening yourself, since quietness and transparency are never measured by those who use those terms when discussing turntables.

Pani--this is an interesting topic and one that I have spent some time exploring. I have heard first hand the uniquely satisfying presentation of an idler table but have been reluctant to pursue one for several reasons. One concern is that most of those available are simply reconditioned units that (mostly) rely upon antiquated technology/parts. Another is cost--resurgent interest in these tables has driven up prices, making them less competitive with other modern production tables using belt or other drive technologies. While I drool over the photos on the Artisan Fidelity website, I just can't see spending that kind of money for what is essentially a decades old table in a beautiful plinth with some update parts (i.e. bearing, idler wheel). The PTP table is interesting in that it is not terribly expensive, owing to the reasonable cost of the corian plinth. I have corresponded with Peter who is very knowledgeable, responsive and measured. Would I put a top flight arm and cartridge on this table? Hard to know without seeing/hearing one first hand--an issue with the PTP is that you are dealing with an international purchase and there is no dealer network that I am aware of. That aside, I think the PTP is a reasonable choice given the cost as compared with some other options. Recently, however, I came across a modern idler iteration that may be a compelling alternative--the Sempersonous TE-1 from Portugal. This table uses modern technology in an idler configuration and projected pricing puts it within reach of many audiophiles. I haven't heard it but plan to soon so will report back what I find on this thread.

There is no reason for it to not be worthy. There are much more unworthy, overpriced, generic belt-drive tables that show up en masse at every audio show from LA to Munich that people do not hesitate to put kilobuck cartridges on simply due to the false perception of performance that comes along with their price and aesthetically flashy designs.

Turntables and to an even greater extent tonearms are simply a vehicle for the record and cartridge to interface with each other. The PTP decks have a thoughtful and minimalist design, using a drive mechanism that is well regarded for its timeless performance. Considering many supposedly high-end belt-drive designs do not elaborate past a motor 'pod' turning a big disc using a string, I can hardly see how they would be any more worthy of expensive cartridges than the PTP.