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
Dont buy a direct drive table unless you have at least $ 10,000 for the deck only. Old/cheap direct drive tables are terrible IMO. 

If you had the $, the entry level Kuzma arm and table are unbeatable for the price.
Dont buy a direct drive table unless you have at least $ 10,000 for the deck only.


and if you have $10k buy Technics SP10R (just the drive)

then read a little bit about the drive and buy SL1200G with the same motor for $3999 (for compete turntable with tonearm). 

still expensive? Look for SL1200GR for $1700 that is not far from "G"

Actually you don't have to spend $10k just for a reference Direct Drive even considering only NEW models. 

Denon DP-80 drive is $1500 and it's fantastic for the money, but it's from the 70's, anyway MINT condition units still available. This turntable will put in the dust all those new overpriced belt drive up to $10 000  


For around $1,000 right now,  The Pro-Ject Classic SB with Wooden Chassis and Ortofon Quintet Red MC Cartridge package from Audio Advisor that includes Pro-Ject’s Push-Button Electronic Speed Control, the Clamp-It $99 Record Clamp, and the Leather-It $59 Upgrade Turntable Mat has got to be the deal of the week. A Rega P3 is always a good choice, but Adding $345 to the base P3, and the other goodies, and you are way over the $1199 ask for the Project.  If you want to economize even more, the standard Pro-Ject Classic Turntable with an Ortofon 2M Silver Cartridge (I think it's a 2M Red wound with fewer turns of silver-plated  wire, instead of copper) for $899 is likewise a great value.  

For those who think I'm a shill for Pro-ject, AA also has Rega P8s for $1999 plus cart.  That is a jawdropping price on a spectacular table. I'd also look at the  EAT B# Turntable with the Ortofon 2M Blue package, and the Marantz TT 15S1 Turntable with ClearAudio Virtuoso MM Cartridge ( It's actually a ClearAudio table in Marantz cosmetics)
that denon with the wide removable arm board has this base which is similar to the JVC deck, wonderful peak of the era designs

http://yahoo.aleado.com/lot?auctionID=v568017645

chackster just said nice things about the DP-80 spinner

still around to make an offer.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-DENON-DP-80-DK-110-DA-307-Direct-Drive-Turntable-ELAC-STS-255/133188373455?hash=item1f02a54bcf:g:0ZEAAOSwP~Fdkt9j

I just read the description completely, it is a 'rough' translation, but very informative if you re-read it. there is some nice technology in that arm as well. magnetic anti-skate, instant off/on, micrometer tracking adjustment, damped arm ...

the 350mm arm length is 'total' arm length, not effective length.

curiously, the notes reference 'fit CL-P1D' which is a similar JVC deck.

"Fit cabinet DK-300/2300/110

cabinet CL-P1D"


maybe someone understands this??



https://www.google.com/search?q=cabinet+CL-P1D&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS881US881&sxsrf=ALeKk03he4GVLvnWT_CRAk-zhzOiGsq8DA:1589380155953&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=E_uzhf5y2uqF5M%253A%252CIf5fnzu5F1BTiM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQSRW57QhquplQk7VlWcop_YPfwMA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj96-68hrHpAhV1knIEHX4jDycQ9QEwAXoECAgQDw#imgrc=E_uzhf5y2uqF5M:


Denon DP-80 is absolutely stunning Direct Drive, i’m so happy that i bought unused sample in mint condition, i’ve been reading audiogon contributors for a long time and finally decided to buy one for my collection, i prefer Denon base just for one tonearm. It’s compact and good looking, but i already have different turntables. That Denon DA-401 tonearm is very nice for high compliance carts.  

here is a nice vintage denon flyer

A Japanese classics, a must have in my opinion.
It’s crazy how low is the price for those DP-80 sometimes.

Last week i finally assembled another turntable for a friend, he prepared it for his daughter as a present, very nice. Technics SP-20 in SH10B3 with custom made armboard.