Rega or VPI

A "lateral move" from an MMF-5?? LOL! That's some funny stuff. But seriously...

I think Alex_yakovlev poses a great question. What are you looking for? If you can take the Rega and demo it in your own home, that's a BIG plus! If you get it in your system and it does what you're looking for, then you have your answer.

That being said, you can probably find a used VPI HW19 mkIII in your price range, set up with some kind of decent arm--Rega, AudioQuest, and sometimes ET2s are popular on these--and I can vouch for the goodness of the HWs. Sound great, and built (and sized) like tanks! I nearly bought one but found a good deal on a used Gyrodec at the last minute--however either would be equally welcome in my home :)

"Most everybody agrees that Bose are great speakers..."

Man...you must hang out with veeeerrry different people than I do...

Now, I may be newer here, but *in my opinion*, if you want to recommend that this poster try a modded-to-all-hell Tech 1200, then just say so. Elitest attitudes and downright bad advice like "they're all lateral moves" isn't going to help, and will only confuse and rile everyone...especially since anyone who has heard the 'tables we speak of could (and did) tell you that they are definitely NOT a lateral move from an MMF5...I don't want any trouble, just sayin' my piece so...peace ;)

In that case ;), let me recommend a JA Michell Tecnodec. Brand at $1295 set up with an RB250 using the very cool Michell Teconweight and VTA adjuster. Easy to set up; upgrades available. DC motor is the same as the Gyrodec's ;)