Adding a turntable to my system

Take a look at the Schiit Mani phono stage - it provides for both MM and MC compatibility and has some alternate loading options

At $129 - it’s the best bang for the buck right now - and when it’s time to upgrade you can resell it and probably get 40-50% back - Schiit has a great reputation - I owned the Bifrost DAC and it was pretty good

The Mani is beating a lot of established brands lower end phono stages costing much much more

Regards - Steve

@thirsty93 - I’d probably go for the mmf2.3. But that judgement is based on the merits of their 5.3, which is pretty darn good. So the question is - How much less capable is the 2.3?

By far the most up-gradable TT (the one with the most after market bits) is the Rega - it holds that crown - I’ve upgraded my Rega to the point where the lid is the only original part - but that gets expensive.

If I had to choose between the Rega and the Project - i’d go with the Project.

So - my preference...
1. mmf 2.3
2. Project
3. Rega

BUT - for just a leeeeettle beet more ($800) is the SOTA Moonbeam III, which is my preferred choice at this level of turntable AND there are some nice upgrade options (accessories) available from SOTA for future uprgades, which you know will work.
http://www.sotaturntables.com/newtables/moonbeam.htm

It’s a class above the three you have selected but for only $300 more! But I do believe it would be a much better long term option, primarily because you will not feel you need to upgrade any time soon based on its performance

Sorry to muddy the waters

Regard - Steve

@stringreen - I'm finished with upgrades!!!

Ever since i upgraded my cables :-)

@yogiboy - that's a nice little turntable - I like the look of the Orbit plus, which is still very reasonably priced for the included upgrades

Takes me back to 1981 - I payed $225 for my Rega Planar II

Likes:
- the drive belt motor configuration brings platter to speed very quickly
- the mass of the counter weight on the arm is llow - like the Michel techno weight - it improves tracking accuracy and playback
- acrylic platter improves playback clarity
- 30 day return policy
- 2 year warranty

At $289 I'm almost tempted to get one for my spare cartridge to play those old pressings

Not sure I'd go for the built-in pre-amp
- the Pluto Phono amp looks like a better option
- but the Schiit Mani is more flexible for a little extra

Could it be a Goliath slayer? - Time will tell

Have you heard them?

Thanks for sharing