Nottingham vs. Wilson Benesch turntables?

Thanks for all the useful info! It looks like the current NA Ace Spacedeck is the sweet spot in the NA line, and definitely on my short-list.

Any opinions regarding Ace Spacedeck vs. Space 294 (and the tracking advantages of a 12" vs a 9" arm), or is choosing between them closer to splitting hairs? The difference in price easily pays for an Ortofon M2 Black:-)

I bought some vinyl today for the first time since the 1980's - a Rhinovinyl 180g pressing of 'John Coltrane My Favorite Things', and a 180g Doxy pressing of 'Thelonious Monk & John Coltrane at Reeves Sound Studios in NYC'. I guess I'm committed!

Next comes the TT:-)

Ortofon may be a little lean and bright for your taste of music. Also consider Goldring 1042, again from divineaudio.co.uk, Garrott dynamic coil, a few models, from decibelhifi.com in Australia, Nagaoka 500 - maybe a little too warm and not dynamic enough, and yes Benz cartridges if it is compatible with your phono stage. The cheapest and light Lyra might work well too and should be very clear and dynamic.
I cannot answer your question but instinctively would go for the improved original Spacedeck/Spacearm.
Be very careful when putting the cartridge in the arm if you do it yourself, tonearm wires are very fragile. Hold the tonearm wires and move the cartridge towards them not the other way around.

For what it is worth, I live a few miles away from the North American Distributor (The Analog Room in San Jose)and hang out there quite a bit. The owner (Brian) thinks the "sweet spot" in the Nottingham line-up is definately the 294. Great bang for the $. You can then add the Heavy Kit and Wave Mechanic power supply down the road and you should be all set for a long time.

I had a 294 (with heavy kit) and traded up for a Ana-log. While I believe the Ana-log is a better table the 294 is IMO the better value and is the table I have recommended the most.

One more thing. If you decide to get Nottingham you should definitely try Boston Audio Mat-1 or Mat-2 record mat instead of that stock foam mat. They have a return policy so no risk. Many Nott owners use it, me included.
As you can see, even in this short thread there is a community spirit among Nottingham owners.

Another recommendation for the Mat-1. I have had one for years and it is far superior to the stock foam cell mat. Thanks for reminding me of that Inna.

Shakey