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Best turntable under $4000

I am looking to take the next step in my analog journey. I currently am using a Fluance RT85 with ortofon 2m blue. I have a Rogue Audio cronus magnum iii. I am running them with Kef 104/2 's. Fluance seems to get alot of hate on here. I was considering a cartridge upgrade but I am hesitant to upgrade more then the cost of the table. I don't hear much background noise and like the sound. I guess I am wondering if I don't know I hear noise because I have not heard a turntable that eliminates that noise? When I went from my Onkyo to my Rogue Sphinx iii I realized I had been missing a whole lot of sound. Then I ditched my rebuilt EPI M150's and heard hidden instruments in tracks I have listened to for years. I am looking for that in a turntable upgrade.  Apperance is important. I have interest in the following:

Clear Audio Concept Wood w/ maestro v2

Mofi fender precisiondeck w/ mastertracker

Stretching my budget is:

Dr. Feikert Volare no cartridge

Gold Note Pianosa no cartridge

These take me out of my budget once I get a cartridge

Any other reccomendations 

I will miss the autostart function for those buzzed listening nights. I would like the 4k to include a cartridge. Any opinions are welcome. Anyone think I should say screw the "rules" and get an Ortofon black?

 

Thank you in advance

cpdkee
elliottbnewcombjr
5,534 posts
 
lewm

you are right, way below budget

except few are responding to his alternate desire for semi-automatic, and this one does have usb if desired.

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this was the best semi-automatic mentioned IMO:

here’s the thorens 1601 gemoody mentioned, open box, $3,100. free shipping

leaves some money for cartridge!

dealer says "Free Lifetime Technical Assistance". Anybody have any experience with seller?

 

if, like cameras, open box gets maker’s full warranty, check with the seller if tempted.

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I also think about ’assumed’ others following the discussion when I find stuff I didn’t know about.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,534 posts
 

Over budget, but A whole lot ’less dj looking’

 

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another

 

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,534 posts
 

This one, listed yesterday

 

has the VERY DESIREABLE BP500 Base with easy VTA, and potential for a second arm wand, Shape with removable headshell

 

 

 

 

griptube's avatar
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griptube
18 posts
 

I'm with the THORENS TD 1601 Crowd. Get the Walnut look.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,534 posts
 

APPEARANCE!!!

I just want to add:

I want equipment that looks good to me, any time I approach it, turn it on, or walk nearby, playing or just sitting,

or has unique features/capabilities I appreciate every time I use it.

Cameras, TT, Preamp; Amp, Speakers. Cars

Of course it has to preform to my expectations, and sound terrific, within or usually above budget some when I find something I didn’t know existed.

OP was choosing as exaamples wood with round corners, maybe not his final choice, but as the examples he gave us with his comment appearance is important.

That’s why I wouldn’t buy the great performing Technics, and perhaps why I would buy the Technics I mentioned (not DJ appearance, 3 speeds), with the wonderful BP500 base (unique features)

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