Best sounding turntable and cartridge for $1100

sunnyjim,

This is off topic, but I noticed you do a lot of research on gear before making a purchase. Also, in another thread of your's, I'm pretty sure I mentioned that you should find some old copies of The Audio Perfectionist Journal because they talk about your Ayre CD player. Its not in print anymore because the person who published it died a couple of years ago. As it turns out, Vandersteen got permission to make the journal available to anyone who wants it. He lists all the issues for free on his website. Aside from reviewing your Ayre, APJ in my opinion, is the best resource for high end audio I've ever seen. By far. You definately want to check it out.

http://vandersteen.com//audio-perfectionist-journal

A really good TT in your price range that many people seem to overlook, is the Sota Moonbeam. Sells for about $800 with an arm. Use the rest for a cart. 

Sota offers 2 things that I like very much. First is upgrades. They're upgrade selection is probably the best in the industry. Second is trade in policy. They allow you to trade in your TT on a better model, for life. I don't think any other manufacturer has a policy like that.

If you don't have a local dealer, Cable Company sells them. They may even have a demo unit to send you. 

" Back to my previous query, I’m still thinking about that Pro-Ject "The Classic" table as I can change the cart to something I like (for example, Needle Doc gives you 50 bucks off if you want to bag the Silver thing), it has a lid (unlike the Pro-Ject RM tables), it has BALLS (it does…6 of ’em I think), and it seems cheap-ish for what it is. More reviews are in order to help me decide so GET GOING AUDIO COMMUNITY…my Linn Basik won’t last forever."

I wish I had 6 balls. Its just not fair.

Anyway, It wouldn't be a bad idea to give Cable Company a call. They have a really good selection of vinyl products. See if they can send you some demo's under their loaner program.