[Austin08]

Hi everyone,

I am in the market for a new turntable. Being new in this analog world so I am looking for a "turn-key" set up. (My first table was a used Clearaudio Concept with MC cart). I am considering these Project RM10.1, Xtension 10 that being offer with Sumiko Blackbird cart as a package or Rega RP8 + ?cart. They are same price but the Xtension come with dust cover and build in speed box. That will save me hundred of dollar. Any though or suggest are welcome. Thanks

FYI, i have a Musical Fedelity M1 ViNL phono stage.

[woodsyi]

For that price range I would look at VPI Classic 2 also. 

Unless you must get new, you should be able to get a 7k set up in the used market with a budget of 3.5K.  That's what I would do. 

Case and point is a "NIB" Xtension 10 without cart is on the used market for 2.2K when it goes for 2.9K retail.  Good as new used should be about 40 to 50 % of retail. 

Think about it this way.  Unless you get a special dealer deal, you lose 45% when you sell your new unit as used.  You may not lose any or take a only a little hit when you sell your used gear again in the used market.  Of course, you have to shop for those that hold value.

[woodsyi]

This is at 4.5k but I think this is a better "value" than any you list.  Who knows?  Make an offer for less and see where it goes.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-oracle-delphi-5-turntable-sme-345-tonearm-2014-01-23-analog-33063

I have a delphi 5 and it's a good table that looks great.  SME arms are really good too.

[Austin08]

Woodsyi,

I saw that Xtension ad on Agon too. Thing is the superpak cost me $3600 which include Sumiko blackbird cart and cable. If I buy that "new" table for $2200. The same BB cart would cost another grand. And $150 for cable. That would push the price to $3200-$3400. And I got no warranty, on top of that I have to invest money for cartridge set-up kit. (I will have to buy them later but not now). So buy new make more sense to me.

I would also interested in VPI scout 2 with 9sig arm. Do not know what cart go best with that turntable yet?

There is a demo VPI classic 1 for sale but even at $2700 + $1000 cart + cover that would be close to $4000. Right on top of my budget.

Being new to turntable, I want a piece of mind so I want to buy new or demo table with somekind of warranty. If I buy used table, then I would never know if there is something wrong till months later.

Thanks

[Austin08]

Woodsyi,

That Delphi 5 look great but with a good cart it will be way over my budget.

Thanks