New to Turntables

I would not overthink it too much, but rather jump in at a comfortable financial level. Then try to figure out whether this whole vinyl thing is agreeing with you, and learn what you like/dislike about that platform. Without a reference point, it is difficult to find a direction.

I would think more about functionality than sound. For instance with the Mofi you need to move belt for 33/45 speed change, whereas the Pro-ject has button. Do you have significant holdings in both 33s and 45s? Is that an issue for you?

At that level, there is one more important factor, the phono stage. I would consider PS equally important as cartridge. I would think that with any >1K TT an external PS is step up over a built-in from "normal" integrated amps/pre-amps.

None of the choices will sound as expected without a decent  phonostage. Expense can be subjective as the table. 

 I basically don't have any albums at this point..... just a couple of remasters....

As far as phono stage.... I have a Mcintosh preamp, with fully configurable Phono inputs for MC or MM cartridges....

If I use turntable on my other system, I would need a Phono Preamp....

Any suggestions for external preamp ?

Moving the belt on the motor spindle doesn't seem like a game breaker.....

would take 5 seconds to do that...

So in the end, is the cartridge and tonearm the most important factors ?

Shelly

The cartridge, tonearm, turntable and phonostage are all of great importance. In general, over the decades the sweet spot for me has been the turntable (with all its components) investment equal to the phonostage investment. I am sure there is some slop in that generality at the lower levels. But for me a $5K investment in a turntable was compromised unless I made a similar investment in a phonostage. At this point I am at the $20K / $20K range. For the over fifty years I have been at this, I have constantly had the phonostage compromising the sound of my turntable. Which is a waste

Personally with virtually no albums I would not be going down this rabbit hole. Unless you have an unlimited budget vinyl will get VERY expensive fast. Just my own 2cents worth.

only Pro-ject would be on my list, and I second @ghdprentice - you need a good phono stage.

Recommendations depend on your budget, I would not spend less than 50% of what the TT cost

Why spend so much? You don't have many LP's. New remasters don't compare to original pressings. My recommendation is: Pioneer PLX1000 ($699), Hana SL ($750) and Schiit Mani 2 phono stage ($160). I have the Pioneer. It is excellent and comparable to the twice-as-expensive Technics. Herb Reichert gave it a positive review in Stereophile. The Hana Shibata mc cartridge is competitive with cartridges costing double its price. For $160 the Mani 2 phono stage presents major value at a bargain price. Michael Fremer likes it.

This is an interesting combo of approaches you have here. If you are truly sticking in that lane, I'll toss out this line of thought. 

- If you start with a nicer table and lesser cart, you can easily upgrade the cart later. But if you start with a lesser table and nicer cart, you might not get everything out of the cart and you'd need to replace the whole table for the next level up. 

Having said that, I have a Mofi Ultradeck and I recently added a Hana ML. The Ultradeck is certainly up to the task, and I think it should be with the Ultragold as well. 

The phonostage in your preamp will get you started, but the MC stage might not be an ideal match for the Ultragold (or any other MC cart). As you move up into MC carts, phonostage matching kind of becomes more important. I also just recently started musing an SUT, which is a whole different rabbit hole, but something you could explore down the road as well. 

@shelly40, I would opt for the Music Hall, because I prefer the sound of hefty plinth designs and their other design features are exceptional also

I can highly recommend Simmaudio Moon phono stages, they are exceptional and configurable to most any cartridge.

Also consider Zavfino cables, they make a world of difference on an  analogue path

Regards steve

I ended up going with the Ultradeck, with the Ultragold cartridge….Military discount included, paid 2250 for the table and cartridge….seems like a decent deal…. Especially with the return window……

I have a 60 day return policy, but hopefully, this will do the trick…..

gonna use the phono input on the Mac preamp…. See how it sounds….. 

I can always add an external phono stage if needed…

should have it by end of next week…

shelly

Get the most expensive one you can afford 

Otherwise you will always second think it