Choices, turntable purchase choices?

05-03-12: Les_creative_edge
Marantz TT-15S1, does not seem to be available in Canada. Can't get it from the USA (restrictions on sales via Music Direct).

In that case, that could take you back to the Clearaudio Concept. Instead of the entry-level MM Concept cartridge, the relatively expensive MC Concept, or the substitute Ortofon Blue, consider the Audio Technica AT150MLX. It's not much more than the Blue but performs more like something in the $600-800 range. Some audio reviewers consider it to be one of the best cartridges under $1000 and The Absolute Sound named it the 2011 Cartridge of the Year.

I've been living with mine for 4 years and it's *at least* the equal of the Rega Exact. Replaceable stylus, too. The compelling testimony *is* that I've been living with it for four years and have no urge or desire to change it. As long as you give it a total capacitive load between 100 and 200 pF, it offers up a high resolution presentation that is full-bodied but not bloated, detailed but not unnaturally so.

Another vote here for the Simplex. I also have the Well tempered Amadeus with upgraded power supply and it's simply awesome for the price. I too have been bitten by the upgrade bug over the years, but I really don't ever see myself upgrading my Amadeus....I may move up on cartridges and phone stages....I know it's well beyond your stated price range, but you very may well end up saving in the long run. Also, it's extremely easy to set-up (some people are put off by the golf ball).

I suggest that you read this review first to acquaint yourself with the different drive technologies http://www.iar-80.com/page12.html. After reading this review, I suggest you test the different drive systems real time.

I settled on idler drive as being more "real" despite the concern about rumble contamination. It is not an issue in my system but may be in others.

I have tried direct drive, tape drive, and idler. You should too.

Pro-ject Xpression III with a Benz Ace?

Again , I do appreciate all replies given. Every one of the turntable suggestions are likely great machines and would serve ably for years.

Since the last few weeks of pontificating a new turntable purchase my mind and ideals have bounced around like a ping pong ball. I've come to a few principles to help guide my next purchase.

1: I realized that I will likely be looking at table that will serve me for maybe 5 years or so. No, it probably won't be my last. I will in the future as I have in my past experiment.

2: I to limit things gave myself a $2,000 MAX. hard cap. I know it may now rule out some nice turntables suggested but I needed to establish a hard cap in order to help guide me down a hopeful proper choice for me.

3: My short list is now these in alphabetical order:

a). Clearaudio, Concept with the MM cartridge. (I can get the first Aurum wood body cartridge) for $1500.00. I have decided to forgo the MC version as this keeps the door open to before 5 years maybe try out another step up cartridge without having to front the money for the MC choice today.

b). Clearaudio, Concept sans cartridge but then buying and adding an Ortophon 2M Bronze. $1400+$370= $1770.00. I have experienced the 2M Blue on my vintage JVC QL-Y5F. I found it to be a very pleasing cartridge on that table. A buddy of mine also has a 2M Blue but on a Vintage Pioneer PL-530 and it too sounds nice. The Bronze surely is a step up I'd figure. Is this option worth $270.00 more than the first choice?

c). Pro-ject 2 Xperience. Includes Sumiko Bluepoint2 cartridge. I'd consider adding the Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0 thus this totals $1499-$299=$1798.00. I wonder how much the Cruise Control may help in platter drive and accuracy. Have no idea how good or bad the Sumiko is. How good is the Pro-ject carbon fibre arm esp. vs. the Clearaudio Verify or a Rega RB303?

d). Rega RP3, sans cartridge. I would add to this choice the TT-PSU and the Ortophon 2M Bronze cartridge, total price I can get is $1660.00. Please read on for a follow up on the Rega after I suggest next choices.

e). Rega RP6, sans cartridge. I will add the Ortophon 2M Bronze to it. the total would be, $1865.00.

f). Rega RP6 with the Elys2 cartridge, total price $1690.00

*** Between the three Rega choices, what are your opinions in comparing the RP3 optioned out choice vs. the RP6 choice both using the 2MBronze? Is the RP6 worth $200 more? I mean it looks very sexy with its gloss finish (I'd get black or red) (the RP3 I'd get in titanium). Rega says the plinth is not just a fancier in colour/gloss but is better machined over the RP3 ??? The added aluminum hub adapter is better how ??? Both have the RB303 and it looks like a nice arm. I'm not averse to investing $200 more if I get bang for the buck. Next The RP6 forgoing the Ortophon but sticking with an Elys2 (not the pricier choice in the EXACT2). It's now almost the same price as the RP3 option I noted but how does the Elys2 stack up to the 2M Bronze?

There is a VTA adapter that has presets of 2-4-6 mm to add to the Rega arm base you move the adjusted choices under the arm mounts to change VTA for future cartridges. Does this fit on the RB303? ( The Needle Doctor does bot say in its product description). Will the Ortophon 2M Bronze require any VTA adjustment?

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I know I can't expect you all to make my choice for me. I've never owned any of these brands products let alone the choices presented here. I trust all are capable turntables and are all BELOW my $2000 hard cap. I only ask for your feedback. Those of you who own or have owned any/all of these and those of you who have listened and shopped for a turntable including these?

It's not just so easy to plop $1500-$2000 on a competent table. I want one that again will hopefully keep me satisfied for up to 5 years or longer. It's not a lifer as I now I will be in the market down the road but I want a good playback machine that can play all forms of music generally (I'm generally into all accept country, rap and hip hop) nicely and without worry of product failure.

Again my previous turntable experiences in models include these:

1981 JVC LA-11 basic belt drive with a Shure M72 cartridge got as a young teen back in the day.

1978ish used Pioneer PL-38, full manual direct drive with an Empire 2000e cartridge.

2003 Music Hall mmf2.1 with the basic Music Hall Tracker cartridge upgraded to an elliptical stylus.

2005-06 a DIY table using old belt drive parts from a n late 80's Japanese table. A Rega RB250 arm. Cartridge put on it was a Denon DL-110.

2008 Technics SL-1200MKII with Cardas arm rewire from KAB. Ran the Denon DL-110 on it. Sold it to a family member when I bought a classic, vintage JVC QL-Y5F. I had to own said table as back as a teen I drooled over it. :-) I put the Ortophon 2M Blue on it.

So you all have an idea as to my experience with turntables. I trust any of these presented updated choices here will please me and I hope would keep me satisfied for a while.

Again I know its all subjective and I really do appreciate all your feedback given and now asked for. I've never owned any of these and have never heard them I have been reading up a lot and to a point of going nuts :-) over the last few weeks and want to pull the trigger but hopefully with as much info as I can get.

THANKS FOR STICKING THROUGH THIS LONG POST AND AGAIN IN ADVANCE FOR ANY ADVICE/THOUGHTS!