Project Xtension 12 or VPI Classic 3

Taking into account everything you and the other posters have said, my take is that you would be happy with either system. Just make sure the phono preamp is up to the task.

12-27-13: Jmcgrogan2
"While I do agree with this, personal tastes are also critical as to what is "better". ...So any opinions expressed should be taken with a very large grain of salt."

I agree with you completely. My comment was addressed at "brand campaigners" who like to say that whatever they own, or would like to own, is better than everything else, even though they have made no comparison.

You have a lot of great, insightful advice and I always like to see your posts.

"While I do agree with this, personal tastes are also critical as to what is "better"."

Another good point. I think I can put this into "better" context.

"When someone says one is better than the other they need to also be able to say they have heard both in the same system."

To me, that statement implies "better" will be a subjective judgement by one person listening to both TT setups in the same system. So if 2 or more people listen to the same setup listed above, each person gets to say what is "better"; for them. And having the 2 TT's in one system allows you to eliminate many variables in the sound that is not related to the gear you are trying to evaluate. Its a better "better".

12-27-13: Jperry
You have a lot of great, insightful advice and I always like to see your posts.

Thank you very much, I appreciate that. Now if only my wife would appreciate my advice. ;)

I know what you mean about the "brand campaigners", but they are just part of the membership here. They don't bother me anymore, as I know who likes what now. I suppose it could be confusing for newbies who do not know their way around, but then they need to learn how to search the archives and do some homework of their own. They will soon find out who offers sage advice and who is simply pushing their own brand.

We are all free to offer advice, the wise ones will be those that learn to value certain members experiences and tastes over others. I've learned through my own trial and error to find out which members personal sonic tastes most mirror my own over the years, hopefully others are doing the same thing.

In the end, it's always a personal decision. You can ask someone what turntable, cartridge, amp, car, scotch, that you will like best, but you have to realize that what someone else prefers may not be the choice that works best for you. Cheers.

ZD - That is an interesting point. When does it cross the line from "better to me" to "clearly better" where most would agree that one is better than the other, and it is no longer a matter of individual preference.

The "clearly better" can be difficult to determine between individual components that are very close in performance.