Sorry to hear about your friend's passing. Old friends like that are a treasure chest of memories. I have a notion that whatever TT you end up with will be a very enjoyable time.
Advice and recommendations needed for a turntable rig...
So I have decided to add a source (analog) in one audio system I have. I will be getting a turntable, cartridge and phono preamp. Currently DO NOT have turntable in my audio system (although some 40 years I had a Thorens TD 320 (modest belt drive TT). I like the idea of a mass loading TT and interested in a heavy TT. Looking for advice from those who have used any TT set up and why. Looking in the modest budget of $3500 price range for all components. Currently looking at a Pro-ject x8 Evolution TT with a Sumiko Blue Point #3 MC cartridge and the Pro-Ject Phono Box Ds2 phonostage (a Michael Fremer positive review).
I listen to Jazz, Blues and instrument music mostly...
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If you want to see what vinyl play is like today but are a bit unsure how it will sound, Fluance TT's have a range of players which include the TT, arm, and cartridge. If you go to at least the RT82, it will give you a good sounding system if you upgrade the cartridge one notch. Step up to the top of the line RT85 and you get the upgraded platter, cartridge. You could buy a better version of a phono preamp and save a lot of money. The RT85 sells for only $500 delivered to your door. The plinth on the RT82 on up is all wood. I have a very high end system and my best friend bought the RT82 w/ upgraded cartridge. We had about 5 people go listen to this system and were amazed at the authentic sound quality it provided. Do yourself a favor and look up their TT's on line. This system would keep you involved for many years and maybe more. You could have it set up within about 20 minutes of getting it out of the box. The price seems like a misprint, but these babies are for real. I've had many very good turntable/arm combos. The Fluance TT's will make you feel foolish for what very good tables cost. I wish I were kidding about the SQ and the looks, but they are for real. Rated the Best Buy in TT/arm/cartridge combos. My TT weighs in at 120 lbs. It sounds fantastic when all is working well. My cartridge costs over $2500 alone. The only drawback is you can't use most high end cartridges with the Fluance arms. The cartridge they use is very good sounding. You will not have much to brag about because of the price, but the SQ will make up for it. Put the extra money into a much better phono preamp. If you have never heard one of the upper end Fluance TT's, don't bash it on price or prestige, just because it costs a fraction of what many have invested in their analog setups. Bob |
@2psyop I've used Technics TTs for almost 40 years. In the 80's, I started with an SL-1200 and still have a SL-1600M2 that I purchased in 1984. In my main system, I have a SL-1200G. The build quality is impeccable, and, like all higher end Technics TTs, it is built like a tank. An SL-1200G with MC cartridge and phono pre is over your budget, but Technics has others that will. Take a look at this one: Technics SL1200GR2 Direct Drive Turntable |
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