Which TT the Pro-Ject RM-5 SE or Rega P3-24?

Thank you for responding!

Tvad, what would you recommend at that price point other than the Rega?

I thought that one kind of had to put up with surface noise, clicks and pops as a given.

Is this a beginner's naive idea? (I am really asking.)

I don't know much yet about the world of vinyl, but I thought that the thing was that the sound that one could get through all of the imperfections was worth it. Over the last 4 months I have had a lot of fun going to the used record store in town--some of what I have found end up being unacceptable, but the guy lets me return those records. So far I have been listening to what some have called a "forgiving" TT (the pro-ject debut III)--don't know if that has anything to do with the fact that I have enjoyed it so much that I decided to upgrade.

Point taken. And nice to here that cautionary note in a world designed to make you want to spend more and more.

This whole thing started with me wanting to upgrade the cartridge and the platter. Plus I was going to get the speed box because everyone says that it helped with pitch stability, and I have already detected this problem with the debut III. Then I realized that it was going to turn into an $800 table after the upgrade, and that's when I thought that what I was looking for was something at that price point.

I have no intentions of becoming an "upgrader" though. I actually hate that aspect of this music equipment thing. I am thinking of the Rega, etc., as a very long term investment (albeit a modest one by audiophile-magazine-standards).

Are you guys saying that my enjoyment of the music might actually decrease with the Rega or the better Pro-Ject?