Jeff notice how not one of the people who talk in absolutes, ask you what you wanted from vinyl. Notice how the ones who talk in absolutes have not built anything themselves so have no first hand knowledge of what is going on. The 3-5 grand cartridge statement is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.
If I where in your shoes and going belt drive I would look at the heaviest platter available , in your price range. Then you can play with different motors and controllers down the road. Maybe get a old aluminum platter vpi and buy the new motor / controller , that Phoenix made for Sota. Unipivots can sound glorious. How many people who tell you that all unipivots are garbage , have built any, or even remotely understand the principles.
If you are looking for what real acoustical music can sound like, then your vinyl pursue should be worth the effort. If hip hop, rap, punk, or electronic stuff is your thing maybe digital would be the way to go.
Enjoy the ride
Tom
If I where in your shoes and going belt drive I would look at the heaviest platter available , in your price range. Then you can play with different motors and controllers down the road. Maybe get a old aluminum platter vpi and buy the new motor / controller , that Phoenix made for Sota. Unipivots can sound glorious. How many people who tell you that all unipivots are garbage , have built any, or even remotely understand the principles.
If you are looking for what real acoustical music can sound like, then your vinyl pursue should be worth the effort. If hip hop, rap, punk, or electronic stuff is your thing maybe digital would be the way to go.
Enjoy the ride
Tom