You can pick up a used VPI HW-19 and have lots left over from your budget. I would not get one that is not a MK III or MK IV. It is very flexible to the point that with choice of suspension you can pretty much tailor the sound to your liking. Perhaps the best part is that it is a match made in heaven for the ET II tonearm which is equally tunable to your liking. I've seen MK IV's with ET II arms go here on A'gon for less than 2k.
Turntable recommendations around $2500
Hi everyone,
Yes, another "what do you recommend" thread. I'll provide a few specifics to help narrow down the field. First of all, I don't live near any audio dealers, so listening to products isn't an option. I want to purchase through one of the various online audio dealers who offers a 30-day (or more) return policy - Audio Advisor, Music Direct, Needle Doctor, etc.
My general parameters are:
So, with all that in mind, I'm looking at the following that meet my criteria:
For what it's worth, I prefer a table that leans slightly toward the warmer side of neutral. Would love to hear opinions from those who are using one of these tables or who have heard them and decided not to purchase. And, of course, other recommendations are welcome.
Thanks!
Scott
Yes, another "what do you recommend" thread. I'll provide a few specifics to help narrow down the field. First of all, I don't live near any audio dealers, so listening to products isn't an option. I want to purchase through one of the various online audio dealers who offers a 30-day (or more) return policy - Audio Advisor, Music Direct, Needle Doctor, etc.
My general parameters are:
- approx. $2000-2500 for table only (less is better, of course, but not at the expense of sound quality)
- RCA or DIN output connection (no integral phono cables, which rules out Rega and Clearaudio) experiment with aftermarket cables).
- No unipivot tonearm (sorry, VPI)
So, with all that in mind, I'm looking at the following that meet my criteria:
- Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon
- Musical Hall MMF 9.3
- Mobile Fidelity Ultradeck
- EAT C-Major
- ELAC Miracord 90
- SOTA Satellite II (w/202 arm)
For what it's worth, I prefer a table that leans slightly toward the warmer side of neutral. Would love to hear opinions from those who are using one of these tables or who have heard them and decided not to purchase. And, of course, other recommendations are welcome.
Thanks!
Scott