Best turntable under $4000


I am looking to take the next step in my analog journey. I currently am using a Fluance RT85 with ortofon 2m blue. I have a Rogue Audio cronus magnum iii. I am running them with Kef 104/2 's. Fluance seems to get alot of hate on here. I was considering a cartridge upgrade but I am hesitant to upgrade more then the cost of the table. I don't hear much background noise and like the sound. I guess I am wondering if I don't know I hear noise because I have not heard a turntable that eliminates that noise? When I went from my Onkyo to my Rogue Sphinx iii I realized I had been missing a whole lot of sound. Then I ditched my rebuilt EPI M150's and heard hidden instruments in tracks I have listened to for years. I am looking for that in a turntable upgrade.  Apperance is important. I have interest in the following:

Clear Audio Concept Wood w/ maestro v2

Mofi fender precisiondeck w/ mastertracker

Stretching my budget is:

Dr. Feikert Volare no cartridge

Gold Note Pianosa no cartridge

These take me out of my budget once I get a cartridge

Any other reccomendations 

I will miss the autostart function for those buzzed listening nights. I would like the 4k to include a cartridge. Any opinions are welcome. Anyone think I should say screw the "rules" and get an Ortofon black?

 

Thank you in advance

cpdkee

Showing 1 response by jimmyblues

Systemdek IIX with a Jelco SA-370H tonearm.  It may be vintage gear from the mid 1980's but you'd have to spend a lot more money to exceed its performance.  Especially when considering the law of diminishing returns in this hobby.   You can purchase a nice IIX for under $500,  a NOS SA-370H for under $400 (eBay has a few at the moment),  If you're handy and can install the arm yourself your investment is under a grand.  Lots of good cartridge choices for under $500 these days.

Just some food for thought, since your total expenditure would be around $1500, and the other $2500 can go towards albums.