The sumiko is not a bad cartridge and ofcourse there are lot better out there,but for what you get with the pro-ject, I say that would be the one to buy,between the 2. Let us know what you decide to do and what you think when you get your new table. Did you notice that they dampened the platter on the Pro-Ject,which would be the same as acrylic and yes you could up grade cartrige. I personally am buying one later this year. So in a nut shell, those are my thoughts. The rethought Orbit Theory is a strikingly beautiful. I read that they believe the design of the tone arm eliminates the need for A.S., and furthermore, they believe that most A.S. The Orbit Theory is easily U-Turns best turntable yet, and a fantastic next step for vinyl enthusiasts ready to jump up out of the mid-range. The design of a U-Turn (Sans Anti-Skate) was a bit of an issue that I mentally wrestled with for a while, but I've come to believe they know best, and it's one less thing I have to worry about. It works just dandy with the external power. I'm even running a Kloss 88 off a 1 amp 12 volt wall transformer because the internal transformer is fried and I am too busy to fix it. I have a ton of Amateur Radio gear and some audio gear that has wall transformers. The anti-skating feature applies a counter-force that reduces or eliminates skating. I was a bit oogy about having to use a wall-wart transformer on their tables, but then I realized that in reality I'd rather have the transformer outside than inside the table for streamlining. U-Turn Audio Orbit Theory (with preamp) Skating is where the tonearm is pulled towards the center of the platter while playing a record, which can distort the audio and also cause skipping/damage to the record.

I won't play 45's on it so I'll never have to manually move the belt, although that's not a biggy. I'll get the Cue Lever, and call it a day. I considered various U-Turn Orbit models (200-500) and the REGA Planar 1 (600) but they require manual speed adjustment and/or lack auto-stop. I was considering the Rega Planar 1 but heard it had hum issues so Im starting to shy away from it. I thought about the Fluance RT85 (500), but based on internet searches it seems like the Debut Carbon EVO is the better option in that price range. I have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with the Ortofon. The anti-skating feature applies a counter-force that reduces or eliminates skating. The only one Ive used is the U-turn Orbit, which Ive had for five years. You should also look into pro-ject turntables like the debut carbon. Skating is where the tonearm is pulled towards the center of the platter while playing a record, which can distort the audio and also cause skipping/damage to the record. Im buying a new setup and the turntable is the last piece of the puzzle for me. At the 300 price point Id go with a U-Turn Orbit. As you say, with an Acrylic Platter and a Grado Blue1, it's a decent deal. Uturn Orbit Custom vs Project Debut Carbon DC. I have had a Jones to get a U-Turn for a while, and I'm probably 6-8 months away from pulling the trigger on the U-Turn Orbit Plus.

Project debut carbon vs uturn orbit