Best turntable for the buck


I now amazingly find that my analog system has fallen behind my digital system in  SQ and I want to investigate how to improve it. 
Currently I have a heavily modified Rega RP3 turntable, with two power supplies, a new platter, sub-platter and other internal enhancements. My cartridge is the Clearaudio Virtuoso.
Not that it’s bad, but I want to look for  something that will significantly improve the sound of my current setup. 
Will about a 4K investment do that?

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrvpiano

@audioguy85 

+1 on the Music Hall products, I purchased a used mmf-5.3 for all the reasons you listed. Solved all my vinyl playback issues and looks great on the shelf. 

There is a glaring omission from the recommendations- the Technics SL-1200/1210 G.

I’m a former Rega and Sota owner. I see the recommendations for the exact same Sota that I owned and just cringe. I hated mine.

The Technics offers everything I value, incredible sound quality, amazing build quality, it’s easy to set up and won’t go out of adjustment. I’ve bought my last turntable.

@nferre66

... makes a good point... Do you want good sound with little fuss... or... the frustrations of pursuing "audio nirvana" with a "finicky" TT?!?  This guy's had both - and he made his choice.  Your choice...

 

@bassdude I’ve seen that video and it’s spot on.

I actually tried to be kind to my wallet and started with the GR. It is noticeably brighter than the G, and doesn’t have the low frequency extension of the G either.

The G is worth every penny and then some.

@nferre66

Yeah... I’ve got a Linn Sondek LP12... and... I think I’ll opt for the 1200G too, for the reasons Guttenberg and others have noted. Just want good sound... without the hassles.

And... as you likely have seen in my related posts... I was debating the 1200GR vs 1200G - but - comments like yours have pretty well "moved the needle" to the 1200G.

Now... I just have to come up with the best value (cost/performance) in a phono stage and cartridge - which may be a little more difficult to determine.