Hi Matthew,
I love my Rega Elicit-R, but it is a bit above your target price. New retail is $3K, but good used ones are about half that. In my system, it has great body, great bottom end, and it is not edgy.
My understanding is that the Rega Elex-R has the same sound signature as the Elicit-R, but less power and less expensive.
BTW, I have the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, which seems similar to your upgraded Debut. I have the Ortofon Blue stylus on the original 2M Red body. I also upgraded the phono cable to an Audio Sensibility Impact SE and I like it quite a bit.
Good luck and enjoy!
I love my Rega Elicit-R, but it is a bit above your target price. New retail is $3K, but good used ones are about half that. In my system, it has great body, great bottom end, and it is not edgy.
My understanding is that the Rega Elex-R has the same sound signature as the Elicit-R, but less power and less expensive.
BTW, I have the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, which seems similar to your upgraded Debut. I have the Ortofon Blue stylus on the original 2M Red body. I also upgraded the phono cable to an Audio Sensibility Impact SE and I like it quite a bit.
Good luck and enjoy!