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Looking for a mid-priced TT to install my 2M Black Cart

I am in the process of shopping of maximizing the value of some of my second system and doing some strategic upgrades.  my first TT was the Project Carbon Debut DC with an Ortofon 2M Red (MM).  I upgraded that to the 2M Black (MM) and it turned it into a great rig (to a point).

I am very aware. that the 2M Black exceeds the capabilities of the TT, so as I optimize this second system, I am looking for a good turntable that would provide a significant sonic improvement over the Project Debut Carbon, and would match well with the 2M Black.  I would like to keep it below $1500 (ideally under $1000). 

I am leaving out the other details of my system to keep this focused on the TT and not have this turn into a poll of what part of my rig's chain I should optimize next... ;-).

Just want some TT options under $1.5K that will help the 2M open up even more!
Thanks!
128x128sircheech
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
$1399 Technics SL1500C with cartridge and phono stage.
also available in black. Coreless Direct Drive motor. 
This is a semi-automatic tonearm close up

If you can buy a Direct Drive with coreless motor + cartridsge + phono stage (all in one) for $1399 then why do you need a Belt Drive turntable ? 

For a bit more you can find used Technics SL1200GR for $1500-1700 i believe. 
bsmg
296 posts
 
I would never buy a direct drive turntable.
sircheech's avatar
sircheech OP
4 posts
 
What about all these Thorens that flow through agon?  The LP12 appeals to me in that I could keep tinkering and improving on it, but the flip side is... will I actually want to do that tinkering or save that energy for my main rig. The planer 6 is definitely on the shortlist too, but prefer not having to use shims if not necessary. 

@mountz I am not familiar with the Amadeus but lll research now. Thanks for the offer!  
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@bsmg

I would never buy a direct drive turntable


Then you will never get a stable rotation with all those belts etc. Cheap belt drive turntables are awful.

Coreless Direct Drive is the most stable motor in this world. This motor ain’t cheap and not easy to manufacture. Japanese can do it right. 


bsmg
296 posts
 
The only advantage of direct drive is high torque and more stable speed. The extra vibration and noise from a direct drive turntable is why I would not have one. My turntable has one belt. Don’t know where you’ve been the past 40 years or so but you may notice that the best turntables are not direct drive. The only DD ones I can think of are Japanese. Wait, VPI is coming out with some sort of 40th anniversary DD table (they must be cleaning out their warehouse of extra parts).
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