3k to spend...

Vinyl Nirvana has a nice website. I can forgive no phone # (I think), but he doesn't even list an address. Thanks for the link, very interesting!
I think the suggestions for the Simplex are right on. It's just more hands on than VPI. In that I mean literally, as in no cue lever. As far as appearance, I like it, but it's certainly different. As far as Dynavector, while the Karat is a good suggestion, I would also listen to the 20X/L. These cartridges are different enough, that it's not a matter of better. It will come down to system balance, and personal preference. Any thoughts so far Krelldog??? Cheers -Don

FWIW, Well Tempered and Dynavector are literally made for each other, and the Dynavector preamp is a nice little unit that is obviously optimized for the company's own carts- so there's definitely synergy going on there. The Amadeus is also one of my favorite TTs I've ever heard, and by all accounts there is a sonic family resemblance down the chain...so you can't really go wrong with that combo.

That said, Well Tempered TTs are not without their idiosyncrasies. They're a bit fussy to set up, the lack of a cue lever a bit awkward (to me, anyway), and the build quality in the tonearm / arm board assembly is not particularly robust (IMO). But for $2K this is to be expected...

As for reaching Dave, I've found him to be extremely responsive to email and willing to discuss things with you once an initial outreach is made....if that's your primary concern, I wouldn't be too worried. I can assure you, having been to his house twice (to pick up and drop off gear) and seen his operation "in action," that his business is legit...and his work is nothing less than top shelf...

Why fool around. Learn about these.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR7.TRC2.A0.H0.Xthorens+124.TRS0&_nkw=thorens+124&_sacat=0

Not in the mood for a project?

Well Tempered
Clearaudio with CMB

"As for reaching Dave, I've found him to be extremely responsive to email and willing to discuss things with you once an initial outreach is made....if that's your primary concern, I wouldn't be too worried. I can assure you, having been to his house twice (to pick up and drop off gear) and seen his operation "in action," that his business is legit...and his work is nothing less than top shelf..."

So this guy doesn't list what Country he's in. All the power to him.

I have gotten used to having no cue lever, but I admit it's not for everyone. I find dropping the needle easiest with the the little finger holder, but I find lifting the arm most natural using the the arm tube. I have seen a few do both with the arm tube, but I find the finger holder easiest to drop LP.... Cheers -Don

Not sure why I feel compelled to defend the man, but I can assure you Dave's on the up-and-up. He's got a thriving business in the heart of New England, he's a good guy, an his work is exceptional. He's a pro in every sense of the word.