Low end TT vs. Hi end CD

You're welcome, Dennis. Now you're beginning to realize the 1200 on steroids is NOT a low end deck. It is low priced, nonetheless. For just over $1000 (brand new) you can purchase the following:

1) 1200 turntable
2) Tonearm fluid damper
3) Outboard power supply (soon)
4) High end integrated headshell cartridge.

What a deal! No other deck comes even close...

As to cartridge choices, I do trust TWL's analog *expertise*. He's one of a kind. I would give Kevin Barrett a call, since he is also an authorized Goldring dealer. He can tell you what will work best w/in your budget. Tell him I sent you: www.kabusa.com

Last, the tonearm fluid damper is more than just a tweak...

you guys are throughing good money away, trying to polish a turd. I guess you guys are dj's, in that case DD Turntables and Stanton cartridges are the ticket. good luck!
Roni

polishing a turd :)

Yeah, polishing a turd...
I can't make a judgement on that case unless I can have a chance to listen not just basing on general rule of thumb about belt drive v.s. DD.
I also tend to believe to TWL as to the analogue expert that this deck is quite descent for high-end playback.

I'm not saying it's high-end, just that is is pretty good for a low cost. I'd still buy a good belt drive TT before I got any direct drive.