New TT for ~$1500


My birthday is coming up and I will be asking for a *new* TT. Budget is up to $1500, but preferably closer to $1k. I would be comfortable pitching in another few hundred $$$ for a good cartridge if I get a table without one. Was thinking:
Rega P3, maybe P6 if I really stretch the budget (that'd be over my $1500 mark)

MoFi StudioDeck
Clearaudio Concept (I have a lead on a lightly used one with low hours, bundled with an Artist V2 cart, but might make gift giving awk)

Pro-Ject X2 w/ Sumiko Moonstone

Any thoughts?

tas236
@crustycoot

Don’t know enough to suggest a cartridge, but options abound. I use a vintage Grace F9 Ruby with great pleasure.

This is very nice, but the stylus on original Ruby (RS9R) is elliptical.
There are better profiles from Grace for F9, also profiles from FR14 (F14) are compatible with F9. Grace own Advanced Luminal Trace profile (RS14AL clear color) or those blue color profiles with "F" on them with LineContact type of the diamond.

Tell that to Michael Fremer, his "belt drive" turntable costs as much as a luxury car....I disagree, there is nothing wrong with a well designed 1500-2000 buck belt driven turntable! I have owned several in this price range and they all sounded great.
You can read fremer’s review on Technics. Or watch this and compare :))

nothing wrong with a well designed 1500-2000 buck belt driven turntable! I have owned several in this price range and they all sounded great.


"Sounded great" for you, but you can’t even adjust VTA on those cheap tonearms.

Will you swap your nice Tannoy for Wireless speakers ? @audioguy85
Same about Technics and overpriced (entry level) belt drive toys
You mentioned REGA, I just returned to analogue after a long break .I tested the water with a low budget  manual table and was quite surprised for what I GOT for a very modest sum.And then took the big jump (INCURABLE AUDIOPHILIA) one with these new double /triple plinths  and the final  one with a suspended chassis  ... and I am still wondering what  justifies the wide price difference  between all these choices. An quasi frameless table for 6,000 while a similar idea  almost no frame around a rigid cast bar  for less than 800.I would be interested to  throw some money out of the window  on the latter to really compare it with the expensive sister because these two are visibly done along the same design direction (MINIMAL FRAME- NO SPLINT). Even a very special bearing  would not seem enough .It is time we take real look at these reviewers claims who justify any  price.The best amp I ever heard, the best turntable ever made  until the next issue and so on. JUST be careful  we should  try to listen at different items in a system we familiar with music we love and familiar with before we follow the prophets, GOOD LUCK
You mentioned REGA, I just returned to analogue after a long break .I tested the water with a low budget  manual table and was quite surprised for what I GOT for a very modest sum.And then took the big jump (INCURABLE AUDIOPHILIA) one with these new double /triple plinths  and the final  one with a suspended chassis  ... and I am still wondering what  justifies the wide price difference  between all these choices. An quasi frameless table for 6,000 while a similar idea  almost no frame around a rigid cast bar  for less than 800.I would be interested to  throw some money out of the window  on the latter to really compare it with the expensive sister because these two are visibly done along the same design direction (MINIMAL FRAME- NO PLINTH). Even a very special bearing  would not seem enough .It is time we take real look at these reviewers claims who justify any  price.The best amp I ever heard, the best turntable ever made  until the next issue and so on. JUST be careful  we should  try to listen at different items in a system we familiar with music we love and familiar with before we follow the prophets, GOOD LUCK