Substantial Upgrade

bruinuclafan

I’m really happy and proud of that TT, it was bit by bit with lots of help here. Sneaking the compact arm on the left side was the icing on the cake.

I started out asking here about using a long tonearm. The vintage JVC Victor arm came up. That got me into the vintage JVC Victor Plinth and TT81, Direct Drive, quartz locked.

I eventually took a chance on a 12.5" arm, from Russia, that’s on the right side. Next, a very cool and unique vintage 9" arm with removable headshell in the back. The left side is a compact arm chosen to fit within the dust cover when on, for a Mono cartridge.
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My AT120 is downstairs, waiting to give to a friend, but I’m not going there till after covid. My AT120 never made any noise even when close.
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I like vintage, and I like wood, so I was drawn to the TT’s made by Pioneer, Denon, and my choice JVC Victor.

Those TT’s are from the end of the LP era, the peak of very skilled engineer’s with big budgets competing with each other.
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WOOD. Be careful with vintage wood, know what you are looking at/buying. There is hardwood, wood veneer, and wraps of artificial wood plastic coated paper, some look darn good, some well taken care of, some delaminating, chipped, 

PLINTHS. Denon and JVC Victor made 7 layer decks, I think Pioneer did not go that far. Sony made a unique metal sandwich, never saw one, but it is interesting.

I have already seen some good advice, if you are looking are at an MC cartridge I would suggest a Soundsmith Phono stage, the best bang for your buck which allows you to dial in any loading for your cartridge. When you get down to table selection you need to look at tonearm comparability along with whatever cartridge you plan to use. As I saw in another comment it is important that you get a system that works together as well as keeping within your budget. If you post everything you are planning to do including the room you will use as your listening I am sure you will get lots of good feedback, the more information the better.

The sprout 100 has a phono section. Have you ever given it a try?

"Had your chance"... more like dodged a bullet.

I recently purchased a Dr Feickart Volare with an Origin Live tonearm, with after a very long and careful process. This is a second turntable in my home, the first being a Spiral groove. Having such a special tt, and buying a second table without breaking the bank was difficult. Very little would compare to the SG. I believe the Dr Feickart line was  a great choice. The Volare uses lots of the same  Feickart build quality for a fraction on the cost as there highly regarded Blackbird, Firebird, and Woodpecker. German engineering as we know they know how to build great products. I think in your budget, that would be an excellent choice without feeling the need to upgrade in a cpl years after the bug really sets in. I also considered a Sutherland phonostage, and had a very nice conversation with the owner. Though it was in my top three, and also highly regarded. Also the Herron, and Manley Chinook. It took   3 phonostages before finally feeling satisfied . I think you would be very happy with those choices. On a side note, Kat the turntable specialist at Upscsle Audio recently purchased a Feickart Volare for herself. That speaks volumes, or at least to me. Good luck and enjoy. Also, you are lucky to take this journey with your wife.