Heya!
I'm currently thinking about changing my TT. I have a Clearaudio Concept but (1) it is very sensitive to vibrations and records jump if I walk too close to the TT (magnetic arm + wooden floor issue I suppose?) and (2) I'd really like to get a way to easily swap cartridge (keep my quintet blue or similar MC/MM for audiophile LPs, find something more "raw" for my old punk / classic rock ones, and add a mono one).
The Technics SL-1500c seems to be the only one with removable headshell in the 1000€ range (I've looked at the project 2xperience s-shape but that's another 500€ new, and I don't need the DJ features of the 1210-mk7, even though the Japanese build of a 1200-gr is appealing and could be around the same price as open box). Or did I miss something?
If anyone has been able to compare the Technics to a belt drive in the same price range, how would you qualify it? I was told I'd lose in details / sound qualities (that was also my understating in your review and comparison to the RP3
@Ed Selley), but is that really significant (my ears are far from perfect!), and wouldn't the ability to swap cartridges to fit with what I'm listening to compensate for this? I discovered lots of details in some of my records when I switch from an RP3 to the Concept, so I'd be sad to lose all those subtleties.
If that helps, I have a MoFi Studio Phono (bought mostly to use the MC + enjoy its mono switch - will have to consider if that's worth keeping depending on the TT/cart change?) and an Audiolab 6000A (includes a descent phono stage too), so I'm unlikely to use the Technics preamp.
Thanks!