Well, I never expected that my audio journey would take me down this path, but after hearing an awesome TT rig in a high end store I started exploring and found I couldn't resist!

I didn't want to spend too much (I certainly couldn't afford that rig), but settled on a Pro-ject Xpression II fitted with Shure M97xE.

I've had this setup for about 3 weeks now, and I don't think I've listened to a CD since - the biggest problem is that I keep "finding" audiophile pressings and I'm going to go broke if I don't stop buying them!

I do have one question for some of the folks with experience: The table comes with a felt mat which seems to work just fine, except that it will invariably stick to any 200 or 180 gram pressings when I go to remove them. This isn't a major problem and doesn't occur with lighter pressings, but still it's a bit irritating and I was wondering if there is anything I can do about this?

I suppose I could upgrade the felt to some other material but was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on that.

Thanks!

Bill