Is the Merill "Gem Dandy" turntable far superior in sound than the Project RPM-3 TT??

Thanks to all who have responded so far.  i appreciate your suggestions

To boofer,  I really don't change cartridges that often. My only concern with the Project RPM-3 is its overall performance;. and, I wished it was packaged with the Sumiko Blue Point Evo III which is supposedly a better sounding cartridge than the BP-2 and only retails for $50.00 more.

 The more "traditional" looking. Project's 2Xperience SB is packaged with either one but  the package retails for $1599 through several internet buyers. That is a $600 jump.  I am sure  latter table may sound better and comes with a dustcover, but is worth $600. more

Boofer, Thank you for heads up about Rega Planar 3.  I wish Rega would stop changing models so quickly.

I owned Rega P3-24 for a few years; It was replaced by the RP-3; now that has been replaced by Planar P3.  I assume that this table is going to be  far superior than my previous Rega P3-24. If not, then  it is  not worth it.   However, I will check out the Rega's website to see if the new P3 is available. 

BTW, the Project RPM-3 does not use  "fishline" anti-skating.. which I also don't like..   Thanks   

Boofer,  No problem.   I did check with Sumiko which I discovered is the USA distributor for Project.  I asked the tech rep if the Project RPM-3 could be order with the Blue Point Special Evo III  He claimed no and seemed a bit unsure. 

Nevertheless, I saw an ad on AG for a Music Hall 7.3 with a Ortofon Bronze cartridge, but it was  more money than Project RPM-3.  I ask internet vendor  the same question about the  Project and whether the Evo III could be substituted for BP-2. for $50.00 more;  his reply  did not make much sense so I did pursue.the issue 

I think issue about making such a substitution, is  that Project probably buys BP-2 by the ton which reduces their best column "COST" to half or better. As I mentioned before, the 2BXpression comes with a choice of either the BP-2 or the BPS Evo III ( the latter has a high and low out put version) Audio Advisor sells it either way for $1599  which seems a bit strange considering the Evo III's retail is 50.00 more than BP-2.

 I wish they had given that option with the RMP-3. However, they probably want customers to step -up and buy the 2BXpression table if you want the better cartridge, and so collect $600 more. In comparison, 2B Expression probably is a better sounding table with better specs

However, I am going to check out the new Rega Planar P3 table on their website  Nevertheless, thanks for you advice.

To bpoletti.  I owned  a Rega P3-24 TT issued in 2008. It came with Elys cartridge which was trashed during a transit to Hawaii I happened to put a few hours on that spike, and was quite impressed with the sound. However, after the stylus collapsed, I bought a Dynavector 10X5 MC which is far superior in performance.   I never felt or discerned any colorations in the overall sound that you mentioned with either cartridge and, I listen to variety of music.

The Merrill Gem Dandy despite good reviews is overpriced, and may not sound any better than Project RPM-3  or, new Rega Planar P3, or the Music Hall Accura table. Yes, Merrill has been making tables for decades, but so has a lot of other engineers like Rega's Roy Gandy.

The review on the Project table in HI-FI News in 2015.(?) was very strong, noting its good  build and sound quality. At the time, it was pre-packed with an Ortofon 2M Blue which is OK. ( I used one with the Rega P3-24 ) It is now prepacked with a Sumiko BP-2, though Sumiko would have served their buyers better, if pre-packed with a Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo III which is supposedly an excellent MC 

I may have to buy the Rega Planar P3 so as to acquire thet Evo III installed The early reviews have been good/.  However, vendors like  The Needle Doctor and Elusive Disc are not running any summer fire sales, and allow just a 10% discount, and buyer also pays shipping. Both  carry Rega and Project tables.   

To Boofer, Thanks for the tip about the fishline anti-skating on the Project 2BXpression TT. I never used one of those devices that was either reliable or accurate.