I noticed you're mentioning unsuspended TTs...but if you don't mind a suspension, I'm quite partial to the Michell Gyrodec. I bought a used Gyro SE (newer make with the DC motor) and put a new OL Silver on...cost me around $2K. I'm a happy ragamuffin now!
I risk getting flamed for this...but the Rega P9 struck me as kinda overpriced, unless you get a good deal on a used one. The RB900s and 1000s are good tonearms, though.
VPI and Nottingham are both very good choices--when you get to this level they're all pretty good, and it's all about what flavor suits you and your system, I think. I considered but didn't choose the Nott for myself, though they are great 'tables. I like lush, suspended designs in my lush, tube amped system, so there's my bias :)
Just thought I'd throw in my $.02
I risk getting flamed for this...but the Rega P9 struck me as kinda overpriced, unless you get a good deal on a used one. The RB900s and 1000s are good tonearms, though.
VPI and Nottingham are both very good choices--when you get to this level they're all pretty good, and it's all about what flavor suits you and your system, I think. I considered but didn't choose the Nott for myself, though they are great 'tables. I like lush, suspended designs in my lush, tube amped system, so there's my bias :)
Just thought I'd throw in my $.02