Sure Tvad, the Serac is over his price range for one, costing more like $4600 currently with a decent arm, so far as I can tell without getting a fresh quote. Included in the price of the RM-10 is a 10", carbon fiber tone arm, highly effective isolation platform, low friction magnetic repulsion bearing offsetting much of the mass of the heavy acrylic platter. Add the Speed Box II and you've still got substantial funds left over toward the cartridge within the OP's budget.
Some people, like Bill, like to switch TTs and arms regularly (he claims to have owned more than 100 TTs). If the OP is in that category, then the Pro-ject would not be a good choice; however, someone seeking a great sounding, high value selection should consider the Pro-ject.
Hopefully the OP can listen for himself. Few are as lucky as me to be so close to all this high-end audio sources in Colorado. There are several leading makers within an hour of my house and the RMAF is two blocks away, so I'm really blessed with being able to hear a lot. Still, ideally, the OP will take a few leads and find ways to audition a few leading candidates and not buy blind.
Dave
