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.

I understand that choosing one turntable over the other is a preference decision ( I can't argue with that statement since we all have different taste in music & sound. If this wasn't truth we will be listening to the same brand of speakers etc. ) but I would like you to guide me in the right direction. Maybe you can suggest different approach in finding the next best thing from what I have right now.

I don't know if it helps but I mostly listen to classic & vocal jazz, blues & pop. My system with exception of Cyber 222 MK II tube preamp is listed below ;

Vandersteen Quatro - speakers
Consolance Cyber 800 - tube mono blocks amplifiers
TacT 2.0 - preamplifier/room correction, modify
Rega Apollo - CD player
Music Hall MMF-7 turntable with Creek phonostage
Sonos wireless music system with Nixon tube DAC
Stax electrostatic headphones system
VIDEO
Krell Showcase surround sound processor/preamplifier
Optoma HD-80 1080p dlp projector
Westinghouse 47inch. LCD 1080p
HDDVD-Toshiba
HP Slim line media computer with 1080i card & 201 Sonny DVD changer accessible-operated by Media Center
Rel subwoofer - active only when watching video
various conditioning, voltage stabilizers, diffusers absorbers bass traps & tweaks.

Linn LP12's are an excellent buy used IF you have a dealer or tech in your area to get it serviced and set up. If you don't, I'd recommend something like a Rega P 5.

But mind you if you do have a Linn dealer in your area, I think 2k into a used LP12 gets you an awful lot of turntable - much, much better to my ears than what you would get at this price new from Rega (which I still think is a great company).

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.

Dgarretson.
"D" do you remember Jean Nantais wabsite.