Turntable Swamp. . .what to buy?


So, I have gotten overwhelmed with trying to decide on which turntable I want. I currently have an 1980's AR "The Turntable" with original AR arm and no mods. It has exposed me to the natural sound of analog. This is my only analog experience thus far. So, of course, I want to upgrade to something capable of more resolution. When I place new pressings on the AR I can tell I am missing something.

My current system consists of a Primaluna Prologue 2 w/onboard phono, Custom Eton 2-ways with 8inch midwoofers and tweets, Blue Jeans cables, and an AT 440mla cartridge.

The choices I have narrowed it down to are:

-Michell Tecnodec, love the look, users seem to be happy, but not a lot of info and difficult to find used so far.
-Nottingham Horizon, same as above.
-Rega P25 like the look, but pricey and a hassle to upgrade to the TTPSU that everyone seems to insist on as an upgrade.
-Rega P5 seems solid and liked but not so attractive.
-Rega RP6, dressed up P3-24, some say it sounds lean.
-VPI Scout, some grumbles about the tonearms, otherwise a good performer, kind of ugly.
-VPI Traveler, can get a used scout for the same cash and there seems to be confusion v1&2.
-Send my AR to VinylNirvana for an overhaul, price could approach or exceed the above tables.

So, I am all twisted up trying to decide which one to purchase? Your advice is appreciated.
djwilbourn

Showing 1 response by kgturner

Ellington Hifi (http://www.ellingtonhifi.com/) in Loxley, AL carries VPI, Rega, Clearaudio, and Pro-ject turntables. It's kind of a drive from Birmingham, but you could always enjoy a vacation/trip to Gulf Shores as part of your excursion. Not sure what they have in stock so definitely call first.