Turntable Upgrade Advice


Hello all!

I am considering upgrading my Clearaudio Concept TT in the near future to something a little more substantial. I have a short list at the moment, so was wondering if anyone has any insight into these and whether or not they would be an upgrade worth the investment. 

1. Michell Gyrodec SE with Technoarm 2 ($5445)
2. Transrotor Darkstar with RB-330 ($5635)
3. Transrotor ZET 1 with RB-330 ($6365)
4. Nottingham Hyperspace with Ace-Space arm ($6590)

The Nottingham and ZET 1 are 'stretch' possibilities that are technically a little above my budget.

Mostly listen to Jazz on vinyl, but do play a variety of genres occasionally, if that makes any difference. 

128x128mmcgill829

I noticed there are a couple of used VPI tables w arm...not expensive.   I have a Supersoutmaster since Harry Pearsons rave review...I still love mine.  I changed from belt to rim drive, metal platter, 2nd pivot, all to the better, but the original was and is excellent.

@mmcgill829 I’ve got a Michell Gyrodec and I’m very happy with it. What cartridge(s) will you be using?

I've been in the hospital, lost track.

Have you a strong preference for direct drive (quartz locked), belt, idler?

I prefer QLDD, my friends dual arm Luxman PD444 is QLDD with some unique and impressive technology, more than is apparent.

Here's the single arm version with the same technology

https://www.vinylengine.com/library/luxman/pd-441.shtml

As a quick note - I ended up picking up an Orbe with a Graham 2.2 arm on the used market - above my budget new, but under budget used! Too good to pass up, I thought. Should have it set up by this weekend. 

@rhg3 I picked up a Hana ML for it for now, since I'm upgrading from a Clearaudio Concept with Concept MC (which doesn't look like it would be a good pair with the arm on the orbe). I'd like to get an Umami red at some point, but one thing at a time.