BobNY

Audiophile rationalization at it's finest !!

If I'm not careful this thread is going to make me veer from my master plan of using my Rega P25 for the next year as I save for a VPI Prime. I could sell my Rega and and easily cover the difference for the TT15. The TT15 sounds better than my Rega with the blue point evo I have on it. Who knows maybe I wouldn't feel the need to upgrade so soon.

The Marantz that they purchased includes a Clearaudio cartridge that retailed for $800 and sounds great. Plus it has a pretty killer tonearm. That is a ton of turntable for 1K. It's solidly built, the motor is isolated from the plinth. The only thing I can say I dont like about it is the location of the power switch. It's on the motor in a bit of an awkward position. Congrats on your purchases Tardcore and ajxd

Congrats on your purchase. $1k for that is a no brainer. I'm sure you will be very happy with it. Please be sure to post your thoughts after you get it all set up.

Thanks ajxd. I am happy with the way it sounds. The Dynaudio's have been with me for a while now. I would love to replace them with something higher up in the Dynaudio family. Also a turntable upgrade will happen someday. I have been lusting over the VPI Prime since it was introduced.

Forgot to add. I dont have any experience with the RP3 or the Music Hall, so I dont know how they compare with the ones I mentioned. I have used the Pro-Ject Xpirience Classic and it is also one worth considering. Well built and sounds real good with the included cartridge. Also looks killer in the Olive wood finish. Hopefully you will be able to listen to as many as possible before you make a purchase.

Out of the tables mentioned so far I think the Marantz gives you the most for your money. I have had the Marantz set up at work for the past few weeks. Its a solid table. I really like the Satisfy tone arm and with the included Virtuoso cartridge it sounds great. I have recently set up a Concept with the Verify arm and Concept MM cartridge. I unfortunately didn't get to spend much time listening to it, but it did sound nice although I would see myself wanting a cartridge upgrade pretty quickly. I could live with the Virtuoso on the Marantz until it wears out and be perfectly happy.

I'm new to this forum. This thread seems like a great place for my first post. My setup is: Rega P25 w/ Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo III cartridge. Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated amp. Dynaudio Audience 82 floor standing speakers. I am using the built in phono stage on the A5. I'm very happy with the way things sound. For now