Sumiko BPS Evo III vs Hana EL/EH

Why not swap the BPS to the new table and see what you think first?

That's probably what I'll end up doing. When I borrowed the Studiodeck from a local dealer, they happened to have the low output version of my cartridge. I would imagine an Evo 3 high output sounds extremely close to the Evo 3 low output. It was a huge step up from my Planar 2. My thought on potentially getting a cartridge now is that I may be able to get a package deal and save money in the long run. 

Why do you want an MC ?

Sumiko is very dangerous with unprotected cantilever that is easy to bent, i would never buy any cartridge designed like that. You will have to ship your MC cartridge to retipper each time the stylus is worn (say every 600 hrs if you don’t have a proper stylus profile). A High Output MC is nonsense, a Moving Coil must be low output (less coil winding). 

You could find a better MM or MI cartridge with user replaceable stylus (with better profile and better cantilever).

And why do you think a MoFi turntable is an upgrade ? From one belt-drive to another ?

The Mobile Fidelity is in Rega P3 territory sound-wise. If you want to go to the next level for not that much more, look at the Technics SL-1500GR. It will see off a Rega P6 especially if you replace the rubber mat. You can even change the arm in future if needed. Don't be too enamored with HOMC. They're not an easy route to higher-end LOMCs. 

I'd just spend slightly more on the Hana SL which is substantially better than the EL.  Truly a value for the money cart if there ever was one.

You haven’t mentioned what phono stage you are using, but if it has sufficient gain, then I would agree with the idea that the Hana SL is most likely superior to any other cartridge mentioned in this thread. I candidly admit that I am not a big fan of the Bluepoint special.

My phono pre is a Sutherland Ph3d. I didn't realize there was a Technics in my price range. I thought the $1800 one was their entry point, so I'll look into the less expensive one that was mentioned. My preference was to buy and support local (dealer has Project, Rega, Mofi, EAT, VPI). I won't rule out mail order though. I'd be a bit nervous about mounting a cartridge myself.

The 1200GR (1210 is black) is around $1800. The 1500C is in your price range but do not get it. Get the more expensive one. You’ll be all set for years. If you get the MoFi or 1500C, you’ll still be on the upgrade path in a year and kicking yourself. Save bucks by hanging on to the BPS for a while. YOLO. Nice to support local dealers but at the end of the day, it’s your trip.

I didn't realize there was a Technics in my price range. I thought the $1800 one was their entry point, so I'll look into the less expensive one that was mentioned.

Technics SL1200GR is definitely not entry level compared to Rega and MoFi (they are entry level for sure but for very high price for a belt drive).

I'm pretty sure you can find a dealer of Technics. This turntable has bulletproof packaging and build like a tank, place online order from US dealers and you will get it quick. 

Face a similar decision. I have a 2-year-old Pro-Ject 9.2 with the 9cc tonearm. It came with the BPS Evo III (low). Candidly, it is my first serious hi-fi so I'm not sure what I'm missing and if I can do better - and it does seem like the BPS is fussy when it comes to slightly poor pressings/dust....  I have been mulling a range of options from the Hana EL $475 to to Hana SL $750 to Clearaudio Concept $1000 

This goes into a Tavish Vintage phono, then to a Jolida 3502S integrated