VPI Classic 3 or McIntosh MT5?


Hello,
I am thinking about getting a turntable for my McIntosh MA2275 and B&W802D system. My wife really likes the looks of the MT5 - I do to - but I am wondering if I would get a better performing table for the same price with the Classic 3.

The Sumiko BP2 cartridge on the MT5 is only $499 retail, so the tables sans cartridge are priced the same.

Any thoughts? Thank you.

Best, Oliver
oliverletz
Thank you Effischer, I will keep those cartridge suggestions in mind, especially since all of these are compatible with the phono stage in my MA2275.
I am fairly sure that Clearaudio makes the table for Mac. People who are buying the Mac table are generally people who want the table to match their other Mac components.
Both tables are solid units, with VPI having a better street rep. MT5 is new and Mc is not known for tables, but McIntosh doesn't fool around. The trick is really with the cartridge - it needs to compliment your speakers and Sumikos tend to color things. 802s need to be uniformly pushed, so I would suggest you stretch your budget and consider a flat-responding, more revealing cart like a Dynavector 10X5 or Ortofon 2M Bronze or Black. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Definitely.

Have fun & good luck!