Nottingham Interspace TT/Arm vs Used Linn Lp12


I am trying to get into LP after 15 years of Cd, mostly for classical music.
Any advice on new Nottingham Interspace TT/arm combo vs, used Linn LP-12 /Valhalla/Ittok II combo. Also what cartridge in $500-700 should I consider for respective combo ?
kimh
IMHO, the Interspace and up in the 'Not line will make you forget about the Linn (which I have owned). E-mail me in the event you'd like further detail on what I anticipate will be a sound choice for you.
Take 4yanx advice and go w/the Interspace. I've heard many state that even the Horizon will compete w/the Linn. Recommend a Shelter 501 II if you can find one in budget or Dynavector 10x5 or Denon 103 otherwise.

Spencer
Take 4yanx's advice. I've never heard either of the tables myself, but I'd choose the Nott' over the Linn any day. It's just a better design all the way around.

The Innerspace comes with a Rega arm, right? If so then any of the cartridges recommended by Sbank would be excellent. The superb Shelter 501MkII is $100 over your budget. If that's too much then the Denon 103R is a very close second best, and a steal at <$300. Note that either of these cartridges will need a high gain phono stage or a stepup device. If THAT blows the budget or presents other problems, go with the 10x5.
Generally speaking, all 'Not tables come without arms and then the distributor or dealers package them with a 'Not arm to provide a "package" deal. There is the Interspace arm which is often sold with the Interspace, but even more frequently I have seen the Spacearm paired with the Interspace. If you can afford the marginal extra cost it is worth the price. IMHO, you have to spend $2K or better to improve upon the Spacearm on the Interspace or Spacedeck. I have not seen the Rega arms sold in package with the Interspace personally, but a simple replacement of the stock split-ring collet ($35) will allow one to accommodate any Rega/OL arm. Again, though, unless one is going up to, say, the OL Illustrious, I would stick with the Spacearm. Even then, there are better higher-end arm choices than the Illustrious.

With respect to cartridges - If you get a 'Not arm, I would highly recommend the Shelter 501MkII, though I would NOT recommended the Denon (too stiff). Other cartridges I would recommend in that general price range are the Ortofon Kontrapunkt a (or b if you can swing it), the Goldring Eroica, Dynavector 17d, and I have recently learned that the Shure V15VxMR is a good match (though one I have not heard).

I will not disparage the Linn. I once owned one and it served me well. However, I think you will find the Interspace with a much quieter background and with a very musical presentation. Better pace and MUCH more detailed. The 'Nots, at least in my experience, have the added benefit of being extremely easy to setup, are not particularly fussy about location as long as it is high mass, and have uncanny accuracy in terms of rotational stability and consistent speed.

I continue to believe that the Interspace and Spacedeck (along with the newer Horizon) are extremely good values - proponents of alternative values in the direct drive or idler wheel table models notwithstanding.