Rega RP3 or Pro-ject Expression III?

Adam18, great set up!

RP3 came today. Just got it running for the first time about 15 minutes ago. Listening to Keith Jarrett's Koln Concert. All I can say is, what's a CD again?

Glad you're enjoying it. There's nothing like some good and clean vinyl to truly appreciate music.

Just realized you said you'll be listening to garage sale vinyl. What are you using to clean your vinyl?

If you don't have one, a vacuum machine will be a huge upgrade. The KAB EV-1 is about $170. It's a Nitty Gritty minus the vacuum; simply connect your own and you're good to go. Add a $25 or so hand held stream cleaner, and your vinyl will sound about as flawless as it gets.

I tried a ton of different things before I broke down and bought the EV-1. In hindsight, everything else was a waste of time.

A friend of mine has a vpi record cleaner, so he's been washing all my records for me. I'll have to get one of my own at some point, though.

I have the Xpression III now with a phono tube box II and the speedbox I using an Ortofon turbo MC-3 cartridge. Would it be worth to upgrade to just the RP3 with the same cart and no additional components like the TTPSU? I really like the adjustable isolation cones of the Xpression III. Is there a direct screw in replacement to the feet on the RP3?

TIA

The new Rega RP3 is in a league of it's own. You will have to move way up to find a better table for the money. Rega's engineering surpasses pro-ject (as well as many others) spending the money where it counts the most. The result is an extremely rigid yet light TT. This beauty is exceedingly better than the previous model. Just go for a better cartridge and look no further.
Rega RP3/Lyra Delos/DV P75/Cronus Magnum/Canalis Anima/Straight Wire Maestro speaker cables/interconnects.
One more thing, the only TT isolation that works is a sandbox.
Happy listening!