Returning a faulty Pro-Ject -- which replacement model?

[jackfish]

Music Hall MMF 5.1

[Aural Addict]

Why don't you just get the new Debut Carbon?

All new fully carbon fiber tonearm, bigger and heavier platter, new motor suspension and fitted with the Ortofon 2M Red.

At $399 US, it makes the Expression overpriced and obsolete.

http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?p ... es&lang=en

That's a damn good idea. I didn't even know they existed. Are they available in the US?

They will be available in a week or two, your dealer should be able to order one now.

It's not on Sumiko's website yet. I sell these and we can only order what's available from them as I believe they are the sole importer.
That does sound like an incredible deal though...
As for the link before, I have tried to special order some pieces from them for myself, and they won't do it. I also haven't found anything from places like Needle Doctor that isn't carried by Sumiko, so...
Maybe I'm wrong, but that's what I've found. When I originally started looking for a TT, I wanted the debut esprit and sumiko couldn't get it...

[moon unit]

They will be available in a week or two, your dealer should be able to order one now.

That seems like an awesome table for the price, but the Debut line lacks a VTA adjustment, correct? I wouldn't be too upset about that, at this price point, but is that going to be a serious limitation in the future? I'm guessing probably not if I opt for the 2M, since I can upgrade the stylus?

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-75872-pro- ... table.aspx

It does lack VTA adjustment, but if you don't plan on going to a MC cart, that's not a big deal. You can move up the 2M line if you want to fit a better cart down the road. Azimuth is adjustable. Also, they will be fitted with the 2M Red in the US, no options. You can't ask for everything at this price point.

If you're looking for no limitations, get the RM-5.1 SE. High quality 9cc arm, VTA and azimuth fully adjustable. Fit the Oracle silicone damper to the arm ($175) and it will take any high price MC cart you can throw at it. With the damper fitted it will show its backside to every other new table mentioned in this thread.

[Aural Addict]

Ah, I obviously stand corrected... Very nice set up for that price.

[j88888888]

It does lack VTA adjustment, but if you don't plan on going to a MC cart, that's not a big deal. You can move up the 2M line if you want to fit a better cart down the road. Azimuth is adjustable. Also, they will be fitted with the 2M Red in the US, no options. You can't ask for everything at this price point.

If you're looking for no limitations, get the RM-5.1 SE. High quality 9cc arm, VTA and azimuth fully adjustable. Fit the Oracle silicone damper to the arm ($175) and it will take any high price MC cart you can throw at it. With the damper fitted it will show its backside to every other new table mentioned in this thread.

This is all really good info. To sum up, if I'm looking at Pro-Jects, the two best options appear to be:

-The Debut Carbon, which is a screaming deal, but is slightly lacking in upgradability or
-The RM5.1SE, which is pretty well future proof, and may be the last table I ever buy.

Now to contact my dealer and set up some demos.

Alternately, this Rega RP3 with the Elys cart grows on me by the day. I found an really cool old Steve Martin record the other day, with comedy on one side, and bluegrass on the other. I'm not a bluegrass fan, but the RP3 poured some SERIOUS love into that record, and I could stop listening. It was super detailed. Each instrument was musical and conversational. And the background was all but silent, even though the record has seen some wear. Does anybody have some experience/feedback with this table? I don't like the fit and finish, but the sound on some recordings is phenomenal. Plus, it's being offered to me at a substantial discount. I'm starting to seriously consider it.

[Jon Middleton]

What did you end up with? Have you talked to Scott? I was at his place on Friday to look at some phono preamps. He has some nice gear, and is local. I ordered a Pro Ject Phono Box S for my Perspective.

[Aural Addict]

It does lack VTA adjustment, but if you don't plan on going to a MC cart, that's not a big deal. You can move up the 2M line if you want to fit a better cart down the road. Azimuth is adjustable. Also, they will be fitted with the 2M Red in the US, no options. You can't ask for everything at this price point.

If you're looking for no limitations, get the RM-5.1 SE. High quality 9cc arm, VTA and azimuth fully adjustable. Fit the Oracle silicone damper to the arm ($175) and it will take any high price MC cart you can throw at it. With the damper fitted it will show its backside to every other new table mentioned in this thread.

This is all really good info. To sum up, if I'm looking at Pro-Jects, the two best options appear to be:

-The Debut Carbon, which is a screaming deal, but is slightly lacking in upgradability or
-The RM5.1SE, which is pretty well future proof, and may be the last table I ever buy.

Now to contact my dealer and set up some demos.

Alternately, this Rega RP3 with the Elys cart grows on me by the day. I found an really cool old Steve Martin record the other day, with comedy on one side, and bluegrass on the other. I'm not a bluegrass fan, but the RP3 poured some SERIOUS love into that record, and I could stop listening. It was super detailed. Each instrument was musical and conversational. And the background was all but silent, even though the record has seen some wear. Does anybody have some experience/feedback with this table? I don't like the fit and finish, but the sound on some recordings is phenomenal. Plus, it's being offered to me at a substantial discount. I'm starting to seriously consider it.

If you go with the 5.1 be ready to invest more in the near future. When I ordered mine I also ordered the ground it 2 and cover it 2..... I can't recommend those two things more. The ground it holds up to my kids jumping right in front of it, amazing... I would also grab a mat so the dust on the vinyl doesn't get pushed in the grooves of the record. I went with the Music Hall cork mat, which was kinda pricey, but still worth it. Most people buy a speed box, but I haven't done that yet.
None of this stuff is necessary for really good sound, but you will get sucked in....

[j88888888]

What did you end up with? Have you talked to Scott? I was at his place on Friday to look at some phono preamps. He has some nice gear, and is local. I ordered a Pro Ject Phono Box S for my Perspective.

I talked to Scott a couple of times. He was very helpful. I couldn't make up my mind, so I ended up with a second-hand Pro-Ject Debut III, which I fitted with a Shure M97xe at Randy's (as in Randy's Records) recommendation. It's not blowing my mind, but it's keeping me happy for very little money. I'm keeping my eye on the Debut Carbon and just taking it slow for now.

[Jon Middleton]

Sounds like a cost-effective solution. I noticed my stylus was bent the other day. I have no idea when it happened, as the TT has been collecting dust for 10 or so years. I then couldn't figure out how to replace it, and trashed the cartridge. Can't believe how tiny those wires are inside.

New Pearl on the way, my Phono Box S should be here soon. I'll be mounting the cartridge myself, and the process is new to me. Wish me luck.