Turntable - The Next Step

I don’t think you need to spend $6k to get to a much better place. It’s possible you can spend double that and end up with terribly mismatched components. I think you can do it for less than $4k.

But, yes, spending $6k+ can make it less challenging for sure.

So if you do decide to pause to save some money, I would at least, for the time being, get a better MM cart. Your Elyse 2 is an elliptical. It’s a fine cart but you can do better. Try a good micro line or shibata stylus. I can recommend the AT VM740ML or 750SH. If your phono stage can do 100pF capacitance, you’ll really enjoy the added detail and dynamics these stylus profiles can provide.

These carts are the current successors to the famed AT150MLX. What’s great is that you can start with the 740ML (micro line) and replace the stylus with a 750SH (Shibata) when time comes. You can even upgrade to the 760SLC (Super Line Contact) as they all use the same engine/body.

I purchased the Clearaudio Performance DC turntable with a Universal tonearm and am extremely pleased with the outcome.

Above the Rega P3, as a number of posters have suggested, Clearaudio and Technics are very strong performers in the middle of the market. The Technics has great drive and pace. The comparable Clearaudios are more refined tonally.

As regards Linn, the Majik entry level version uses a Clearaudio tonearm. If thinking Linn, I would try to A/B the Linn against a comparable priced Clearaudio or other non suspended subchassis turntable.

@gnoworyta, not sure I can be helpful here. I've done serious seat-time with a P3 with Ortofon Blue, paired with a McIntosh MA5200 and Focal Aria 936. Very, very nice sound, IMHO. However, I ended up going with a Mofi Ultradeck+M and don't regret it for a second! My short list, at the time was that Mofi and the Rega P6 with an Ortofon Black or Bronze.. Still haven't heard anything under 5 grand that sounds any "better" than the Mofi+M. I'm a bit suspect about the low-mass design of the Rega decks, in general, even when placed on a rock solid & steady based, well isolated, etc. I would recommend you make one change at a time and work from there. It's hard to juggle too many balls in the air at the same time, if you know what I mean.

Appreciate all the (diverse) opinions. A lot to consider!