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
@luisma31  

If i were you i would buy a better MM cartridge for this old Technics turntable, i would definitely rewire internal tonearm cable and external phono cable. Actually i've done that before with my pair of SL1210 mkII (added kab fluid dampers and isonoe feet, complete rewire with cardas internal and zu mission external wires/cables, but unbalanced). I was very happy with result, the most important is cartridge, the rest of this upgrade is very cheap, but you need superb MM or MI cartridge with advanced stylus profile and impressive sound quality. There are many of them available NOS. Over the years i've been buying all of them. 

It is nice to change a turntable too, but this is much more expensive and you can do that later when you will have a perfect cartridge to install on better Technics turntable. If you don't have the real killer cartridge then i don't think you have to start with new turntable. 

BUT if you have a budget for SL1200G go ahead, it can be your last turntable for the next 30 years :) 

P.S. Discogs is fine to buy records, i prefer original pressings from the 70's as most of my music is from that era. I don't like re-issues.