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What turntable in the $2500 range?

I am so confused and I hope I can get some clarity and good advice in picking my next turntable.
At this time I can afford (wife decided budget...) to spend up to $2.5K.
I am using a Parasound ZC ZPhonoXRM (MM/MC) phono preamp, Parasound A51 biamping B&W 802 Nautilus. 
On the new market I am lookng at Rega 6 (Ania MC), MoFi Ultradeck (MC?), Music Hall mmf 7.3
I am listening to almost evrything but I want to start focusing on Jazz, Blues, Irish music, Southern rock (Lynyrd Skynrd, Creedance Clearwater Revival) and some classical as well.
My focus is on soundstage, vocals and details with a warm sound.
Please let me know your thoughts on my choices and feel free to suggest anything else you think it could work, even if it is used.
One more question: why all the above turntable do not allow removable shells? I would like to experiment and try different cartridges like I was doing when I was a teenager...
Thank you for reading the post.
 

joby15200
pindac's avatar
pindac
3,970 posts
 

I should added a comment made after the Headshell demo'

Which suggested that as a Bayonet connection to a Cartridges sensitivity, is like the Cart' is attached to Flag in the wing on a Flag Pole.

Crude, but rigidity of the Headshell is a real winner. 

I can't see a well thought out Removable Headshell that is designed to be rigidly coupled to the Wand being too different from a Fixed Headshell.

Differences may be detected through different Headshell Materials

billstevenson
1,211 posts
 

Well I am in NH and don’t have access to my GAE, the cartridges or the headshells up here so I can’t duplicate the results that I am trying to relate from memory.  When my wife and I return to FL in early December I will try to duplicate the tests and post the results so we can have a more fully informed discussion.  I would like to reach agreement with what you both are saying.  

elliottbnewcombjr
7,809 posts
 

Rare Two Arm Project, not for me but just to see it. Belt drive, fixed cartridges, no dust cover, what's good about it?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/home-audio/turntables/listing/5542446099

billstevenson
1,211 posts
 

I know you favor multi-arm turntables.  I, on the other hand, have my hands full with one arm per.  Setting my own handicaps aside, this looks to be well ordered kit.  I have set up similar arms and can tell you they are probably good performers.  In all likelihood the turntable itself will be slightly off speed, but not terrible and quite listenable.  Not markedly different from my own VPI HW-19 MkIII.  The plinth looks like a bit of a beast, though, doesn’t it?  Whoever buys it better have plenty of space.  Pro-Ject makes excellent turntables in every way, they have my full respect.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,982 posts
 

Suggest you look at Acoustic Solid out of Germany. their entry tables are in your price range and are some of the best built tables for the money out there. I bought one a coup-le years ago and I’m very happy with the build quality and sound. Bested my VPI prime 21 at almost half the price and IMO way better built. They have a couple lines with wood based models and all metal based models, lots to choices in your price range.

Acoustic Solid – Handmade in Germany

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