Moving into vinyl. Brinkman, TW Raven, GrandPrix??

Maxx,

When you get to the top end of TT designs, preference is definitely very personal. Any of the above will give you a really stable platform on which you can let your chosen arm/cart/phono stage sing. In some ways, this is your bigger conundrum, getting synergy with the rest of your system, your room and the music you like to play.
If you live in the US, getting a demo, let alone a home demo is a real problem, whereas for us Brits, the travelling distances to dealers are relatively easy. Dealer backup is really important, unless you're used to setting up TTs, arms and carts. Having continuing backup after your purchase is a key element in your long term enjoyment, if you're a vinyl newbie. If you're like me (having set up TTs now for nearly 30 years), then dealer backup (apart from quality control issues) are less important.
If you're in the US, I would seriously consider a trip to NYC to see Jeff at Highwater Sound. TW TTs, TRON phono stages etc and great backup.

Happy Christmas shopping!

Charlie

Maxx 1973,

I have the Brinkmann two arm LaGrange.
At this point and this level there is not much that one can say when you hear such a wonder of design, elegance and utter perfection.

The man is a fanatic designer down to the nature of the screws and their different composition. So when he works out the arm (the 10.5) and the EMT cartridge to his specs to his specific table, the synergy is complete.

Any buyer would be crazy to pass up the package of TT, arm, and cartridge.

For my second arm I have the IKEDA 407 12" with an IKEDA cartridge. That is the value of the two arm Brinkmann. You can also experiment.

And then, you will again find out how great the Brinkmann total package is!

There are very few in audio that can produce such synergy....

John

If possible try to listen to the Bergmann Sindre. I heard it at an audio show and was very much impressed. But it is hard to get a good impression of a product at a show. Also don't forget Transrotor Orion.