Turntable Recommendation


I'd appreciate turntable recommendations. After waffling for some time about getting into analog, I ultimately decided to go the inexpensive route initially, and purchased a Pro-Ject Debut III to add to a Cambridge 640P that I already had. Even though I thoroughly enjoy my current digital setup (ARC 300.2 amp, ARC LS17 pre, ARC CD5, and Maggie 3.6's), I could not believe the analog difference in sound. It was wonderful! I’ll spare you all the additional adjectives, but to quote another Goner here, it just sounded “right”. Not perfect mind you, but “right” (to my ears). So though it’s only two weeks old, I’d like to consider a better tt. I am very fond of the ARC products, so depending on finances, I will either buy the PH5 or PH7 phono stage. I’m fortunate enough that I can audition both, but cannot do the same for turntables. I would like to spend $3k or less for both the tt and cartridge. I am not a tinkerer, so it needs to be something that I can set up and leave alone. The Pro-Ject/640P sounds too thin, a bit veiled, a tad slow, and could use a little more (only a little, since I enjoy the blend of ss & tube components I'm using now) soundstage – though the PH5/PH7 may take care of that. Thoughts?
silver911
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"the better table and arm will make even cheaper cartridges sound much better." Here, here.

Some of my suggestions for new. You can do better used, but options vary.

VPI Classic and Sumiko would be a nice combination - a little over $3,000.

VPI Scout II with new JWM-9T arm would be a nice deck, same cartridge as above.

Clearaudio Performance CMB Turntable with Clearaudio Maestro Wood cartridge - or Clearaudio Emotion SE Turntable w/Satisfy Carbon Fiber Tonearm and same cartridge - or Clearaudio Performance CMB Turntable with w/Satisfy Carbon Fiber Tonearm and Grado Prestige Gold or equivalent cartridge (see Stanwal's quote above)
Nottingham Interspace Jr w/Lyra Dorian = $3100 (pay cash get the 5-10% discount) ..
I will second Nottingham. IMO, they make one of the very best bases, platters, and motors for the money. Motor is rock solid (I've tested numerous times with KAB strobe and no adjustment was ever needed) with no audible noise. I am not as wild about the Nott's tonearm. Not bad, but there are better out there. Nott's are not flashy, but if you can handle the way they look I think they are a very well engineered product worth a look.
I intially took a similar path. For right now, if you have the stock cartridge on your table you could upgrade the stylus and would benefit from that.