Need advice on new TT, arm and cartridge.

If your looking for a "set and forget" type of table consider the Luxman PD-171. From the info and photos this table appears to be very well built and hassle free. I don't know if this table(Jelco/arm)will meet your standards, but at $6k this leave enough for a separate phono stage and first class cartridge.

Tough choices, so many great tables on your list. Another serious consideration you might want to explore is the Artisan Fidelity Technics Mk3 and Mk2 tables in addition to their recently introduced Garrard 301 Reference model. His (Thornton's) work is easily on par with the best currently available modified turntable classics you are considering. They use several different proprietary constrained layer dampening methods and stock the well regarded Panzerholz material for select project use. The woodwork quality they offer is simply breathtaking, just look at their Garrard 301 or Technics pages the web. The Padauk plank wraps are to die for and fit and finish is superb. From what I gather from the website, the Garrard 301 model is especially promising. (in my opinion) Not sure about price on the 301 model but I think their SP10Mk2 and Mk3 are on par price wise with the others mentioned. The new large bore bearings they designed for the 301 and Lenco are supposed to be tops. I know of a very high end dealer in S. Florida using one of the Artisan modded Lenco's in their reference showroom which uses their reference bearing. Apparently the owner feels its one of the finest analog front ends he has every heard. I am not absolutely certain you could get into the Reference Garrard 301 with arm and cart for your stated 10K budget but I'd think you would be able to get into one of their top of the line Mk2 Technics Panzerholz plinths along with arm and cart for that price. I know they carry a variety of arms and cartridges to choose from but am not sure if they have any of those mfg.'s you mention in your post. I spoke directly with Christopher a month or two ago about their on going work with the Lenco idler drives and he shared a wealth of his time and information with me in regards to their design philosophy, plinth construction techniques and vast array of newly designed main bearings and even idler wheels. He also was able to clearly illustrate the characteristic strengths and weaknesses of the different drive types (idler, direct drive, belt/tape, rim) which proved to be insightful for me anyway. On a slightly different note, if I were going belt drive, I'd likely consider a TW Acustic or maybe the Redpoint Audio table, although the later is actually a tape drive (similar to belt). Another belt drive which looked promising to me last I read about it was the Feickert belt drive, which I believe goes for something like $5k-$6000. One cartridge to consider also might be an upper end Shelter, from what I gather they offer up tremendous dynamics and tonally speaking are quite nice as well. Not sure though how it might stack up with the other contenders on your short list, but with cartridges all are somewhat unique in their own right. Based on your statements, it seems like you know the general type of sound you are after, so now comes the long arduous journey of careful research. The good news is that you have so many wonderful options in which to consider. Good luck! Peace, J

If you want a 'set and forget' TT, best you have a Denon 47F, great sound, great value. Any of the Denon cartridges would sound great with it. I've given a number of these TT's to my children as a way to introduce them to vinyl without all the set up hassles any of the other bring. Since it is fully automatic, with a great repeat feature, it becomes all about the music, not the gear.

Under $10K Clearaudio Ovation/Clarify with the ceramic magnetic bearing CMB at $5500 and a $3800 (less if you have a Benz to trade in) Benz Micro Ruby Z which is exactly the same as the $5000 LP but with a Zebra wood body. I honestly couldn't hear the difference.

Stunning, through a non octal MFA Luminescence preamp.