). I'm looking to build a new system at a relatively modest level and have been researching turntables in the $2000-$2500 range. The three I've been most focused on are the Rega P3 RS, the Michell TecnoDec and the Avid Ingenium. Needless to say it's difficult to listen to all of these turntables in person without traveling around the country, so I was hoping to tap into the collective knowledge of the forum. If anyone has any opinions on how these turntables compare then I'd love to hear them. I bought a Rega about a year ago, similar thoughts re simplicity, and wondering about trade offs with VTA and clamp/weight.
VTA: Before, I had a VPI with VTA on the fly with a Soundsmith Zephyr cart, I could not hear a difference cranking VTA up and down. Lots of sonic differences with VTF, cart loading, etc., but VTA is overrated, IMHO. I think the pros of simplicity outweigh the potential for tiny adjustments. As OP said, it's hard to argue with Roy's success and accomplishments.
If concerned, you can adjust VTA indirectly with platter mats of different thickness. I switched out the annoyingly clingy felt mat on my Naia with a leather one, quite a bit thicker. Again, cannot tell a sonic difference, whether due to material or due to thickness/VTA.
VPI had a clamping mechanism, and there, too, I could not hear any difference. REGA has low mass approach, so adding a weight would be against that philosophy, and may also cause more wear and tear of bearing.
It is funny that the case where record clamp/weight should make the most difference, with light weight flexible flexis, the clamp/weight will make the record unplayable due to clamp-induced warping. I am fully aware that flexis have sonic problems, but there is some good music on them, like the early releases of Eyeless in Gaza.
Using an internal phono stage in an integrated amp will be your bottle neck. Easy to fix down the road if you wish.