Which TT will take me to the next level

If you can stand $2800, then a Pro-ject RM10 with Sumiko Blackbird gets you very near the best possible without going into the mega-sphere. Mine is incredibly revealing, blowing away my SACDs and best CDs.

Pro-ject and VPI have some upgradeable options closer to your price point, but I'd recommend trying to go all the way. For instance, the RM10's heavy platter and 10' carbon fiber arm can't be added to a 9.1 or the model below that. The heavy platter requires the magnetic repulsion system to offset the mass of the heavy platter.

Dave

Dave

I agree with Tvad, that would be big bang for the buck to hot rod the Denon.

Another option is the Technics SP 10 Mk2 with a hot arm and cartridge. I recently rebuilt an SP 10, adding a SME arm and Air Tight cartridge and it ranks among the top tables I've owned.

Other tables I've owned include Versa Dynamics, VPI, Oracle, Win Labs, Basis Debut gold Mk 4 and Mk 5 and Walker Proscenium.

The Technics is surprisingly good and I bought mine for $450.00. Granted I put a lot into the arm and cartridge but if I didn't like the table, the arm and cartridge stand alone as a separate investment.

I agree with Tvad; that TT & arm s/b capable of taking you to the next level with a few tweaks. I do suggest mounting that Dynavector, Benz, or (Sumiko BPS EVO or Blackbird) on a Sumiko or Audio Technica Technihard headshell.

You may want to consider a Herbie's Way Excellent or Iron Audio turtable mat as well.

I'll straddle the fence.

Try a better cartidge and some anti-vibration. If no luck, move to the VPI Scout.