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Need help: turntable market in the $1500-$2000 range is overwhelming

I’m looking for a new turntable. Had a Dual 1229 years ago but it broke and I got out of vinyl and all that. Got a crappy Audio-Technica around the holidays last year because I thought I’d digitize my records but I don’t feel like doing that anymore and it’s a fiddly turntable that doesn’t sound great. I’m giving myself $1500-$2000 to jump in with the expectation of buying something that’ll keep me happy for a few years.

Sorry, but no Technics tables please!!!! Black or silver. They all look like my crappy Audio-Technica and I’m going to be shallow and say looks matter and that I’m agnostic at best about direct drive. Yeah, I’m dumb.

So in the price range I’ve established I’ve looked at and found interesting offerings from:

—SOTA
—Rega
—Pro-Ject
—Music Hall
—Clearaudio
—Marantz

And what feels like a zillion others.

So how the hell do I choose in a market flooded with tables in my price range? 

Oh, and sure, tell me how stupid I am for not wanting a Technics like I keep seeing recommended on the forum, but I’m not going to buy one so please help me with another offering if you can!!!

And I’d prefer to buy new so I can work with a dealer or manufacturer if there are any issues.....
larshepping
Post removed 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,159 posts
 
Don't blame you for not liking AT tables. Not a fan. Sota is good and you should look at the Mobile Fidelity tables. Good bang for the buck. Sota does not come into it's own until you get to the Sapphire and the isolating suspension but that is 3500 without a tonearm. I think the Mo Fi UltraDeck may be the best you can do for that money.
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
"...And I’d prefer to buy new so I can work with a dealer or manufacturer if there are any issues....."

Upscale Audio represents many lines and if it was me I'd give them a call and get their opinion. They also have experts on staff (ex turntable manufacturing people). 
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,735 posts
 
A while back I owned a mid-level Music Hall (7.1?) and a lead clip broke off. I contacted Music Hall and they had no interest in helping me fix it.
The rest of your list looks good. I favor Clearaudio but that's just my first impulse.
avanti1960
1,405 posts
 
The Technics 1200 GR is the best sounding table under the $4K 1200G
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