Overall, what I would have really liked would have been the same TT stripped down of all these unnecessary and imperfect features but with a better cartridge for the price.

Needs a better cartridge and a good external pre-amp

No company makes better cartridges.

But I still love your cartridges

I'll get a more capable cartridge

The AT-95E that the AT95Ex is based on is one of the best reviewed cartridges on NeedleDoctor.com, a high-end turntable web store

It could be that the AT-95Ex is a terrible cartridge, but I doubt it.

does't get the good reviews like for Rega or Project turntables, but this is excellent and dead quiet plus the included cartridge is pretty good.

Things started out fine, but as soon as the music came up in volume, a very loud 60 Hz hum took over.