So I am looking to buy a new turntable. I have been using my father's vinyl rig until now, but this brings me lots of constrains. He has a Rega P3 with RB300 arm and dynavector 10x5 cartridge. Phono Stage is an audio alchemy Vac-in-the-Box.
I like the sound of it quite a lot and would be happy with a similar system, probably with a better phono stage(DIY), however this would set me back at 1080€ (about 1400$) for the P3 (new P3-24 version) plus 10x5 cartridge.
While I have the money to buy this I have been thinking about getting a cheaper rig instead, something like a rega P1 or the pro ject debut III. These cost around 350€(500$) with cartridge included.(both have an orthofon OEM cartridge).
Phono stage for either choice would be a VSPS DIY or something similar for now, and a pearl or something tubed later.
I will eventually get something nicer in about 3-4 years, but need something until then. I will be listening to both rega TT's later this month but was looking for initial opinions, alternative choices, etc.