Seeking Opinions on Clearaudio and VPI Turntables

Can someone help me. I can't decide on the following decks- Pro-Ject Xpression MK11; Goldring GR-2, Rega P3 and the Clearaudio Emotion. I'm not happy with the Sumiko Oyster cart. that comes with the Pro-Ject. With the P3 and the Emotion I would need to select a cart. Lastly, what do you think of the Marantz TT-15S1 that Clearaudio makes for Marantz? Is it essentialy the Emotion with the fancier Virtuoso Wood cart? Emotion=$1k; Marantz 15S1=$1.8K

Many thanks.
Len

Common dealership opinion seems to favor VPI

I've had some conversations with the SoCal dealers who seem to be the big vinyl guys (Brooks Berdan in Monrovia and Audio Revelation in Carlsbad). Both carry VPI and Clearaudio. Both recommend VPI tables enthusiastically (especially Berdan), but both seem to limit Clearaudio endorsement to the cartridges. I've never gotten a specific reason from either, but have heard reservations expressed -by others - about the Clearaudio bearing design, which (I'm told) puts the contact point at the top of the bearing shaft near the platter. FWIW

I'd add that Acoustic Image -a dealer in the San Fernando Valley with its own vinyl following - does like the Clearaudio tables, while LA Audio in LA and Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica focus on neither brand.

Thanks for your input. I live in Florida and I can't find a dealer here who sells either the VPI or Clearaudio lines. Should I buy a unit strictly from pictures/specifications, etc., on the Internet or what?

Len

Len,
Where in Florida are you? Brian at St. Cecilia Sound Gallery (Clearwater) carries VPI. He should be able to help you.

I purchased a clearaudio based on the recommendations of a dealer whose knowledge and recommendations I couldn't trust more. He carries both VPI and Clearaudio and prefers clearaudio, which also has an upgrade path. I have not heard the VPI in a direct comparison but I am very satisfied with the sonics, fit, finish, and quality of the clearaudio. Also FWIW, there is another clearaudio arm between the unify and emotion, the satisfy.