recommendations for TT + arm + cart, around $3.5k

Hi Newbee -

Thanks for the reply! I did pick up an Ortofon OM20 cart to replace the stock cart - that improved things over the stock sound - firmer in the bass, and bit more velvety, but it still sounds mushy or veiled to me. I've also got a Groovetracer platter in place, but honestly I didn't notice much effect from that. Of course, at this point, the GT and the new cart cost as much as the P1 did originally, so I was thinking of just getting a much better table instead of upgrading into oblivion on a $400 deck!

So, at this point, I'm exploring my options before taking a listen at stuff.

As always in this hobby, I always find myself buying stuff, then a year later replacing said stuff with new stuff that costs 3x (10x?!) as much - so this time around, figured I'd set a decent budget and try to save myself from future "upgraditis"! All that said, I'm open to any and all suggestions!

Justin

Great info, Drrsutliff and Newbee - very cool.

I was going to hold off on the phono preamp, as eventually I will upgrade my Nova (as a pre) to , and figured I'd wait a bit as whatever that might be, could have a decent phono preamp. I could just look for a better phono preamp now, and see how that works out, and then think about the next step.

I've been reading about the Classic, and my local hifi guy SWOONS over it! I'm not sure about the aesthetics though - I could take it or leave it. Is there a strong reason to prefer the Classic to the Scouts, gun-to-the-head (I know - gotta hear them, but I mean in terms of construction, features that I may care about later when I get more involved with the TT and learn about proper setups, etc)?

Cheers!

Justin

OK - lots for me to think about here! A couple of suggestions on the Classic, a couple for the Nottinghams, plus some cart suggestions. That's a good start for me.

Thank you, everyone!

Hi Brookjoo - not out of line at all, I appreciate the feedback. :)

However, I am going to go with a VPI Classic with a Sumiko Blackbird, and a PS Audio GCPH phono pre.

I don't want to go integrated at this point (hence picking up the monoblocks) - so the next step, which I'll hold off on for a few months, will be a replacement for the Nova (likely a standalone preamp and a standalone DAC - then the Nova can take over bedroom duties). But for now, I'm all set.

Thanks for everyone's help!

I received my Classic today, installed a Sumiko Blackbird cart, and running it through a new PS Audio GCPH - have to say that it sounds night and day better than my previous setup with the P1 and PP-2. I mean, not a little bit better but totally different and wonderful - I've been spinning vinyl all night all having a blast! I'm sure my setup is far from optimal, and I'll figure that out eventually, but I'm very happy right now! Thanks all for the input. A new table and phono pre was the right way to go.

Justin