Advice for a new analog system


Hello everyone and thank you in advance for your advice.

I have made the decision to venture into the magical world of vinyl.
I was considering a VPI Avenger Direct (round 34K) turntable and CJ or Audio Research phono preamps.
As a cartridge I have in mind the Clearaudio Davinci.
I have been doing some research on Agon and apparently there are a lot of users who don't like VPI and considering the investment in the turntable I imagine there must be many options. 
I prefer the short cut of a single investment for life.
My system is Mc C1100, mc 1.25Kw and Dynaudio Evidence Platinum speakers.

What turntable and system would you recommend, I appreciate your advice.

 

ftrot

@jb1 Yes I am aware of the phono preamp built into the C1100, in fact my local dealer has loaned me a VPI Prime 21 turntable plugged directly into it while I decide on the purchase. I hope to be able to listen to it early next week once the room setup is complete (I'm changing rooms), maybe I will have a chance to listen to it with the CJ phono preamp and compare. I will keep you posted, thank you very much.​​​​​​

I honestly don't understand (I don't argue it, just don't see it) the big difference between a 2K turntable and and the more (way more) expensive ones. I had to replace a part the manufacturer sent me and got to find out - yes that's how little I knew - how freaking simple a turntable is. And I am aware of my ignorance, I am not an engineer, but still, how hard is it with decades of manufacturing background to spin a plate at a steady speed and make a balanced arm? The mystery to me is the cartridge, a tiny pin, picking up all that data and sending it down without any data loss to the amp. Yes, I can imagine, those are tricky, but they have been perfected too for a 100+ years now. So all in all, how much better is the sound with the super expensive ones?

I honestly don't understand (I don't argue it, just don't see it) the big difference between a 2K turntable and and the more (way more) expensive ones.

 

@grislybutter

it’s not a “big difference”, but there is sonic improvements.  Whether this sonic improvements is worth spending $ on is totally subjective.  

@kennyc right. Let's say Rega P6 and P10.

The quality difference between the sound of those must be substantial.

I also give credit for looks and reliability, ease of use, user experience