best turntable under $5k

It's kind of funny reading this thread. It was almost like saying "my choice is better than your choice" in a very twisted sort of way. At least that's what I got out of it.

Choosing a turntable is exponentially more complex than say a CD trasport/DAC combo. You have the table, the arm, the cartridge, (and the tiny wires that connect the cartridge to the arm wire in some cases) There are tens, if not hundreds, of choices for each category. A simple change in cartridge or tonearm might have a big effect on how the same table could sound.

On top of that, how the combo sounds will depend on the rest of your system as well. And don't worry, any table you get, you will be able to "constantly" improve it if you want. Any slight adjustment in VTF, VTA will affect the sound somehow. And changing the cartridge will get you started all over again. But don't drive yourself nuts. Just enjoy the music.

FrankC

FrankC

Thank God you said "just enjoy the music". For a second there I thought you where going to say "Just buy a CD player"

Thought abou it somemore befoe I saw everybody's posts and have to agree givenm midedle men etc Terest is a good bet maybe the best.But I also think they takle that into account and make up for lower sales numbers (shops don't display them) so they chag\rge more given the fact they have lesser salkes and still hav to keep the lights on.It's not as if Bill Gates decided he's make a company as a hobby and just cover costs.
Chazz

Sota Nova V vacuum. Or, one step up to a Sota Cosmos III used if you can find it.

the SOTA COSMOS is slightly over your limit. nevertheless I belive it is an all out design which uses mass, floating suspension and vaccumm hold down. you need (don't want the suspension to oscillate)to use a light weigt arm and cartridge. I beleive you cannot use mass alone to damp out structual and airborne vibrations. an appropriate arm would be sme iv.vi and sumiko celebration.
Good news is there is an embarrasment of riches at this price point.