THE BEST $2000 TURNTABLE - NEW OR USED ??????

Comparing TTs is one of the more difficult exercises. There's no shortage of strong opinions on the subject, but I doubt many opinions are based on comparing TTs with all variables fixed (e.g. same arm, same cartridge, same phono stage, same platform, same system, plus careful TT set-up. A magazine reviewer's opinion might be more worth following, since at least a magazine has the resources for a proper comparison.

After tinkering with TTs, one of the few things I know for sure is that variations in platform & siting may be as significant to the sonic outcome as variations between TT designs.

A $800 phono stage to equal your $2 TT may be tough to find. Perhaps a used BAT or ARC PH-3SE or later model.

Right now on Audiogon there are used Nottinghams, VPI Scout, and Oracle Delphi, all w/arms, in the $1K-$2K range. Another option around $2K would be a replinthed Lenco idler drive(check Jean Nantais's website). There is a lunatic following for these idler drive TTs that believes them to be superior in dynamics & PRAT to every belt drive TT ever made. The arms used with these TTs seem to be noncritical. I've not heard a Lenco myself but do respect the ears of some who have. This could possibly take you to the endpoint at a reasonable price. Other classic idler-drive options in your price range include refurbed Garrard 301/401.

http://www.btinternet.com/~a.d.richarson/hifi/lenco/lenco_land.html

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/maddogmcq/myart/lencoheaven/index.htm

http://www.sixmoons.com/audioreviews/lenco/lenco.html

http://www.progressive-engineering.com/table_whole3.htm

MrJ: These sites should point the way. Also, Mike Paschetto at Progressive Engineering does a nice job with refurb Garrards. Dave

You may be in for a treat. I was just talking with a fellow whose Jean Natais-replinthed Lenco kicked a $5K Nottingham Hyperspace out of bed.