I have an hour or so to kill, so I thought I would update this in case anyone was interested. Rich I accidentally erased your email address without saving it, the last time. I was in too much of a hurry or excited that day
OK........
I listened to quite a few different TT setups during my visit. Think I pretty much stayed there all day, so I could get this right for me. I couldn't of asked for a better experience either !!!!
After comparing a number of high-end - mid - entry level TT's to make sure I had a good idea of what is possible. I simply let my ears make the choice as there was no denying what I heard. Sure the high-end tables sounded better, but was it $10,000 better or $5000 better or even $1500 better ??? It is also like picking a single item of food from a buffet of fine cuisine. So if you could only have one, what do you do ??? My answer: again, I let my ears make decision for me, and this is what I think I love the most at a price that allowed me a solid entry into the analogue realm. Simply there is no denying what I heard, so why fight it ??? Naturally there is better, but it is a give and take that I feel you make with "all" gear at any given price point. So given the strengths and weaknesses, I am coming away a happy man.
Some of the TT's I listened to where from Well Tempered, SME, Basis, Rega, Nottingham and one more company that I need to look up the name of again.
I know, I know !!! So what did you get ???
Like I said there simply was no denying what I heard of my choice. Drum roll.............................................. ...........................
Rega P5 in cherry
http://www.rega.co.uk/index2.htm
Dynavector 17D3 cartridge
http://www.dynavector.com/products/cart/e_17d3.html
Dynavector P-75mkII phono pre
http://www.dynavector.com/products/amp/e_p75mk2.html
This combo did it for me again and again, and like I said there was no denying it. I switched back and forth between the low to high priced tables on the same system basically, The same pre-amp, amp, and speakers, and "not" in a crappy sales oriented showroom environment. I made my own decisions and "nothing" was pushed on me.
I have been to quite a few of super high-end showrooms on the Northeast coast and in the Toronto Canada area, and none of them have anything on the one place that was closest to me. Go figure, right ??? So what makes this place so great to me ??? Well, the setting first of all. It's a home and a wonderful one at that. So You get a better idea of what it will sound like under real conditions. You also have the experience of a true life-long audio aficionado that is a musician, college professor, etc..., etc... There is also so much great gear in all price ranges. Easily the best experience I have ever had shopping for two channel gear !!! The real deal !!!