Looking for more advice on purchasing a new turntable.

How about a new Rega P8 (or a lightly used Rega P10) with an Apheta 3 cartridge? The Rega cartridges have the no-fuss three point attachment

It’s a great tt, no messing with removable headshells or multiple tone arms.

I never quite bought into why you need multiple tone arms to use multiple cartridges, nor do I play mono records, but that’s just me.

That personal choice aside, the more stuff you get (multiple tonearms, and cartridges etc.) the more diluted each part gets for the $$ you are willing to spend.

I’d rather have ONE solid tt that doesn’t need fussing and ONE cartridge so I am not diluting my $$ on a bunch of different parts.

+1 for the Dr Feikert Volare, it could be your end game table once you upgrade the arm down the road. 

If you have a PL PS, I assume you have a current TT. What is it? Anything you like/dislike about it? That could help narrowing down the discussion. Given that you have all PL, I assume you are an upscale customer, and you get some loyalty discounts if you buy a TT from them.

I had a VPI super prime scout with ADS with a SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC* cart. With many VPIs, to change from 33 to 45 you have to manually change the belt. Is that OK or a no-go? With ADS, you can do that on the box, but on my unit there was an eight second delay before unit spun up to 45, which I found very annoying. The VTA adjustment I hardly ever used and barely heard a difference, so putting less stock into that. my 2c.

I recently changed to a Rega Naia package ($17K), so different approach (P8-type). Do you like the minimalist/low mass approach? I noticed right away the better tighter bass with the Rega. Speed control is by button on goes right up to target speed. 

finding a solid Garrard 301 with a decent arm is always one great answer to that $5k turntable question. most of those have had loving homes, if you watch closely for a month or so quickly you will learn about them; one ought to pop up maybe not too far away you can even go hear. and there are lots of hot rod parts that can be used to up the performance.

the 301 imparts an energy to the music beyond it’s price point. the 301 competes with the big boys in musical fun. and does not hurt that they look sexy as hell.

good luck with your search. happy turntable hunting.

@mikelavigne Or a less expensive 401. The earlier ones are better mechanically than 301s.