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TT or Cartridge...what to buy?

Well the time has come to purchase a new cartridge and I'm now pondering the idea of a completely new table instead. 

My current table is a Clearaudio Concept with Verify Tonearm and Concept V2 MM cart. 

My current phono/pre is a ModWright LS 100 with Tube Phono stage. Currently setup for MM cartridge. 

I'm a little stuck with purchase options for a cartridge as the shops near me only carry a limited amount and I'd prefer to buy local. I want to stick with MM because that is what my Phono stage is setup for and I'd rather not have to purchase a new tube to upgrade to MC at this time. 

I've narrowed it down to Ortofon 2M series either Blue, Bronze, or Black. I do realize these are all different budgets but my budget is about $1k for a cart at this time.

If I do in fact decide to upgrade my TT I could extend my budget to about $4k (TT & Cart) maybe if I shuffle things correctly and if I'm able to sell my current table. If I do go with a new table then I might also consider MC for the cart also. 

I honestly don't know what tables are available locally at my budget. I'm ok with buying used as well.

I realize this is a 2 part conversation with a lot of variables. Please give me your input and valuable knowledge to help me decide which path to choose. 
128x128dustin_collman
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Thanks for the input but I’m not really a fan of Direct Drive tables. I know they are highly recommended but to me it is more of a DJ style table then what I want.

I hope not every DD turntable look like a "DJ turntable" for you, because they are not, except 1200 series which is simply best buy option at your price point (as a complete turntable).

If you can put together drive, plinth and tonearm (purchased separately) you could have something like this with EPA-100 or Denon DA-401 tonearms. The drive is Technics SP-20, but it can be SP-10 mkII (same size). I have compiled 3 of them for local friends with different tonearms and plinth.

With $4k budget you can find Luxman PD-444 turntable, this is a reference class machine in my studio, here is mine.

They are all direct drive!
dustin_collman's avatar
dustin_collman OP
56 posts
 
So far some other table suggestions that have been made to me are these:

  • Mofi Ultradeck w/Master Tracker MM
  • Pro-Ject Xtension 10 w/Sumiko Blackbird MC
  • VPI Prime Scout w/o cart
  • Clearaudio Performance DC w/Satisfy Carbon tonearm and no Cart
  • Dr. Feickert Analogue Volare (not local to me)
These are based on local dealers to me also.
dustin_collman's avatar
dustin_collman OP
56 posts
 
True. Not every DD table looks like a DJ table to me. But the Technics definitely does.  
lewm
13,030 posts
 
If you must have belt drive, I would favor Dr Feickert from your list.  That unit comes with an Origin Live tonearm and a nice cartridge.  The Dr Feickert turntables are some of the few that make an effort to reduce belt slippage and "belt creep", two phenomena that contribute to speed irregularity of belt drive technology.  I'd opt for the Delrin platter, too.
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rauliruegas
13,052 posts
 
Dear @dustin_collman : that Pro-ject Atension 10 is very good option and the Blackbird very good quality performer and obviously you will have the dealer support at your place. Good.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
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