suggestions for turntable set up around $6,000.


Wow! I just went to a friends house and heard a good turntable for the first time. I think it is time to take out some old albums and get a turntable. I have a Electrocompaniet cd player but the table sure sounded nice. I am looking into Shelter cartriges, and possibly a VPI turntable, and purchasing through AG will most likely be the path followed. Would like to hear some pros and cons of tables,etc. Concerns would maintance on certain cartriges, durability of all componets. I have a Atma-sphere mp1 preamp and a ma2 amp, Ralph at Atma-sphers said it is a great phono stage and should not have a problem with most mc cartriges. I JUST WANT TO DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME the 6k figure is not carved in stone but with all audio there must be some budget, at least for me. I also would like a table that looks as good as it sounds, all info. is really appreciated.
eralff
Redpoint must have "split" in some poorly conceived way, in my opinion. When I heard the Redpoints at the recent HE show in SF, I was particularly unimpressed, especially when in the context of a comparison to some of the Teres models.

It was, however, only second time I had heard to Redpoints an I suppose it should have been a setup problem. Anyone with ACTUAL listening experience that can comment further?
I have a Redpoint Testa Rosa with the drilled aluminum/teflon platter and battery powered tape drive. A few months ago I moved up from a VPIHW19MKIV. I am using the same arm, Kuzma Stogi Reference, and the Shelter 901 cartridge. I have never done a comparison with a Teres. The background noise on this TT is totally silent. I really didn't think the background could get this quiet. The difference was so great that it makes standard pressings in comparison to before sound like audiophile pressings. All the audiophile things you look for improved, deeper tighter bass, extended highs, natural bloom etc. I lived with the table for a month with their basic PVC platter. This platter was good and much improved over the VPI setup but the aluminum/teflon platter really took this table to a whole different performance level. I am not sure the the setup parameters from the SF show but I do know that this table can sound amazing when set up properly and matched to the right equipment. Other parts of my system are the, Vibraplane isolation table, Hagerman Trumpet phono, Lamm LL2 line stage, Sonic Frontiers Power 3SE mono's, and Vienna Acoustic mahler speakers.

It is true that Thom and Peter have split into two companies. It is my understanding that the technology would be shared but that Peter would be making the Testa Rosa's(Redpoint) and Thom the Quatro's (Galibier Design). I did not know Peter but Thom is a great guy to work with and very knowledgeable.
I would like to withdraw my recommendation for the Audio Advancements products.I ran into some problems with the products and Hart has been unresponsive and downright rude during phone conversations,not to mention ignoring e-mails.Nobody deserves to be treated this way after spending their money.I believe the way a company treats a customer after purchase, and should problems occur,speak volumes.TWO THUMBS DOWN.
Would you be able to answer my e-mail and let me know what kind of trouble you are having with your Morche/Eurolab combo?I saw your recomendation retraction on Audiogon.I would like to solve your problems.I would also try to correct the negative publicity.Please call me at 201-768-6986.Regards, Tom Hills- Hudson Audio Technologies.
Tom, My problem was with the Schroder arm.I believe something had gone amiss in shipping.I believe it was poorly packed and with my poor vision,I assumed it might be my fault.It was proven otherwise.Hart didn't want to be involved with setting things straight.I have, since that time,been in contact with Frank Schroder.He was kind enough to set things straight and has provided me with his contact information.I love the Eurolab Premier and I am glad there is another source for the table in the USA.I will contact you by phone on 7-22-03.There are others who prefer not to deal with Audio Advancements and his horse manure .