Smellman

I would recommend the Rega Planar 1 aka P1. I don't own one but have heard it and P3 when I was researching an upgrade from my Pro-Ject. In retrospect, I should have gone with a Rega instead of a Pro-Ject as my first new turntable. The Pro-Ject wasn't bad but it seemed of lower quality in sound and build compared to the Rega. Well below your budget at £250 and made in the UK, which might prove helpful as well. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rega-Planar-Turntable-Gloss-Black/dp/B01KLQBCPY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=23BXJ3UERQRZJ&keywords=rega+turntable&qid=1556206460&s=gateway&sprefix=rega+t&sr=8-3 I ultimately went with a Mofi over Rega as an upgrade but that's another level up.

Just got an email from Bullmoose: This is an update regarding your purchase of: FEIST/LET IT DIE@180G SEAFOAM GREEN VINYL . Unfortunately this release was cancelled. We won't be able to get it for you. We charge credit cards right before we ship, so we didn't charge you for this. Sorry for the disappointment.

FedEx says that my Sleep Vault will be delivered 3/15. Not sure how accurate that is but there you go.

Earth Full Upon Her Burning Lips (Crimson & Black Swirl Vinyl) indie exclusive 2LP - Bullmoose

Make sure the load switches on the bottom of the Mani are set to 47k, not 47. You might also want to try upping the gain settings to 48 db: Gain 1 - H Gain 2 - L Good luck

3/8 https://www.bullmoose.com/p/28958808

Got mine from Amoeba the other day. Looks like they still have some for $35 shipped. Promo code FB10 took an extra 10% off. https://www.amoeba.com/live-in-toronto-canada-lp-ween/albums/4092311/

This Marantz manufactured by Clearaudio seems to have positive reviews all around the interwebs. No need for a speed box. Even though they're a big box store, you can still haggle.

I really wish that the Budgie was still readily available for a reasonable price. I considered the Puffin from Parks(maker of the Budgie) but went with the Lounge LCR MKIII. Straight-forward, excellent sounding preamp for $300.

https://www.discogs.com/user/smellman/collection

Anybody know if SubPop charges when you order or when it ships?

I don't have personal experience with Grado cartridges but I have read about humming issues possibly due to lack of shielding. Try this thread

I was in the same situation with a similar setup. I had the Cambridge CXA60, ProJect DC Esprit, 2M Red, and Cambridge CP1 preamp. I swapped out the preamp with a Lounge MKIII($300) and the 2M Red with a Nagaoka MP110($120). The cartridge swap was more of a parallel move but I like the Nagaoka's qualities more than the Ortofon. You may want to upgrade to the Blue. Pretty sure you can just swap out the stylus on the Red and Blue. The preamp was a definite step up. The Esprit came with an acrylic platter and Im not convinced it's any better. Still really liking my CXA60.

I use the Moongel pads that are discussed in this thread. $6 shipped from someone on ebay.

Make sure the anti-skate and vertical tracking force(VTF) are set to the cartridge's specifications. Google cartridge model for specs. Youtube has tons of videos for the setup.

Right-click Search Google for image Says it's a Lyrec AG40

Does Electric Fetus send tracking when shipped?

https://www.reddit.com/r/VinylDeals/comments/9e8sn0/orbit_plus_turntable_199_crate_and_barrel_outlet/

Just ordered the 2xLP from Bullmoose and noticed they had the deluxe for $179.

I was being facetious. I totally agree with you. People scrambling to get these records is ridiculous.