2. analog
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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 spatialking

spatialking's avatar
spatialking
622 posts
 

I would look at a cartridge upgrade first.  I have the Blue and it is good but not the best of the four cartridges I own.  Denon 103, ADC VM760, Grado Sonata, and the Blue.  The others definitely beat the Blue in all parameters.  

You asked for the best TT in the $4000 price range.  Frankly, I don't think there is such a thing as "best" in the upper price ranges.  What you do have are differences that will influence your decision on one over another.  I would look at all of your choices carefully, find one that fires your rockets, and put your money into a better cartridge.  Do make sure the compliance is suitable for the arm you have or will buy before you send that backhoe into your wallet.

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