Project Xtension 12 or VPI Classic 3


Hello,
I am looking to get into vinyl and am a bit of a novice.
I have demo'd vinyl and loved the sound compared to digital.
I am considering 2 turntable / cartridge options at this time.
A Project 12 xtension with a Sumiko Celebration 2 Cartridge and a VPI Classic 3 with an Ortofon Cadenza Black Cartridge.
Is the VPI / Ortofon that much better?
I don't have the opportunity to demo that combination but have read great reviews.
Is it worth the addional cost?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I currently have Cremona M's, Conrad Johnson ET3 SE with Phono and Cary 500 MB Mono Blocks and my current source is a an Oppo 95
Thanks
pkelly1504
I would ask if you know what a unipivot arm is?
A unipivot arm is packed in the Classic 3 box and is placed on top of the "bearing" which is like a heavy duty sewing needle pointing at the ceiling.
There it sits -serene and free-floating until you (or your child or cat) lifts it off its perch to do whatever.

I have a Classic 2 and was kind of shocked by the whole unipivot thing.
It does sound good, I must say, but has a certain precariousness about it.
The Classic 3 is the better table by far. I have had a Scout with the unipivot arm for many years and it is excellent and very reliable.
I've never had any problems with the unipivot design in my VPI TT's as well.

More importantly, though, the components that you are looking at are very expensive for someone who's just getting started with analog. Its pretty risky. What if you don't like what you buy?