Looking to upgrade my turntable

[Mike Up]

Hope this forum is OK as I found no dedicated Turntable forum.

I'm on a budget of $400 and under. The best turntables I've found for the money are the Fluance RT-81 Plus w/ Audio Technca AT-VM95e and RT-82 with the Ortofon Cartridges. Also the Audio Technca AT-LP3XBT w/ Audio Technca AT-VM95c. Don't know if I want an Ortofon Cartridge as I read dozens of negative reviews how the OM 10 and 2M Red are bright, thin, and lack body. I have an Audio Technica cheap turntable with the AT3600L cartridge and I like it as it seems neutral so I was really wanting to go with a AT-VM95c/e cartridge. This cartridge has real praise and never read anything negative.

So my 2 main turntables I'm looking at are the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT and the Fluance AT-81 Plus that have this AT-VM95 cartridge but lack a servo control DC motor that the Fluance RT-82 has, but at a negative of the Ortofon OM-10. The servo controlled Fluance RT-83 has the Ortofon 2M Red. Both Ortofon cartridges which I read so many negative reviews about their bright, thin sound.

So Is Fluance an Ok turntable or am I best to play it safe with the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT? Also is a servo controlled turntable that much better. I don't notice any significant speed issues on my cheap Audio technica AT-LP60-USB turntable.

Thanks in advance!

 

[lovinthehd]

vinylengine.com is more oriented to the subject of vinyl/turntables.

Both your tt choices are reasonable. I prefer direct drive over belt (use a 40 year old Technics SL1200mk2 myself). I've heard nice things about the AT-VM95 cartridge, never tried one (or an Ortofon), tho. I have seen many say they prefer to get the Ortofon Blue over the Red (and can be upgraded by stylus into same cartridge body but they're kinda pricey).

ps Might also try this subforum https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?forums/turntables-phono-amplifier-cartridges-review.48/

 

[TLS Guy]

Hope this forum is OK as I found no dedicated Turntable forum.

I'm on a budget of $400 and under. The best turntables I've found for the money are the Fluance RT-81 Plus w/ Audio Technca AT-VM95e and RT-82 with the Ortofon Cartridges. Also the Audio Technca AT-LP3XBT w/ Audio Technca AT-VM95c. Don't know if I want an Ortofon Cartridge as I read dozens of negative reviews how the OM 10 and 2M Red are bright, thin, and lack body. I have an Audio Technica cheap turntable with the AT3600L cartridge and I like it as it seems neutral so I was really wanting to go with a AT-VM95c/e cartridge. This cartridge has real praise and never read anything negative.

So my 2 main turntables I'm looking at are the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT and the Fluance AT-81 Plus that have this AT-VM95 cartridge but lack a servo control DC motor that the Fluance RT-82 has, but at a negative of the Ortofon OM-10. The servo controlled Fluance RT-83 has the Ortofon 2M Red. Both Ortofon cartridges which I read so many negative reviews about their bright, thin sound.

So Is Fluance an Ok turntable or am I best to play it safe with the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT? Also is a servo controlled turntable that much better. I don't notice any significant speed issues on my cheap Audio technica AT-LP60-USB turntable.

Thanks in advance!

I think you may well be making a lateral move. I doubt you will gain anything from that expenditure. Unfortunately to get any realistic gain your budget is way too low.
Turntables are essentially mechanical devices and so superb engineering and craftsmanship can bring significant dividends. What is it you don't like about your current turntable?