I have a budget around 1200 - 1600.

Already have a Technics SL1200 (moving it to the den) so I am looking for something a bit more higher end. I will need a new cartridge too.

The smaller the footprint the better, but not if it sacrifices quality. It will be sitting out in the open on an already crowded desk. Cosmetically speaking, I would prefer a silver or black finish (acrylic is ok too).

Obviously I could go the expensive turntable route and opt for a cheap(er) cartridge or I can go with an expensive cartridge and cheap turntable.

Ideas?

Thanks!

Why not get a fully modded SL1210M5G with all the upgrades.
Go to the kAb web site and see what all the upgrades you can get for that table.

I would love to pick up a Thoren's but I want to hear what all the fuss is about first.

I can't bring myself to buy something without being able to audition it first.

If it's possible for you to try before you buy I would go that route.

Your price range puts you in the VPI Scout territory, and if you shop on a-gon, you could pick one up LNIB with a very decent cart for that kind of cash. They are smaller than they appear in pics, and probably not much larger in footprint than your Technics.

James R.

I second the Scout suggestion. I think it would be hard to beat for that kinda money.

Thirding the Scout...

I have a budget around 1200 - 1600.

Already have a Technics SL1200 (moving it to the den) so I am looking for something a bit more higher end. I will need a new cartridge too.

The smaller the footprint the better, but not if it sacrifices quality. It will be sitting out in the open on an already crowded desk. Cosmetically speaking, I would prefer a silver or black finish (acrylic is ok too).

Obviously I could go the expensive turntable route and opt for a cheap(er) cartridge or I can go with an expensive cartridge and cheap turntable.

Ideas?

Thanks!

What kind of sound do you prefer? On the bright and snappy side, or rich and tubey sounding?

Rega P3-24 with external PSU.

Why not get a fully modded SL1210M5G with all the upgrades.
Go to the kAb web site and see what all the upgrades you can get for that table.

Exactly what I was thinking before I was even halfway through the original post. I would buy a second SL-1200 in a heartbeat. I own a KAB SL-1200MK5 (with many mods) and wouldn't dream of anything else in that price range.

So many great suggestions, thanks everyone.

I guess if I had a preference in sound it would be somewhere between a warm and a bright sound (I know, doesn't really help). I like my Technics, but I really am looking to try something else. I am not ruling it out, just want something different.

scout, scout, scout, scout...chant along fella's!!

Nice thing about a table like the Scout, is if you buy it used, use it for a couple months, then decide to get a different table (why I could never imagine if only to move higher up the VPI food chain) you won't lose any money on the resale.

James R.