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First "real" TT...

Hey all, I am looking at buying my first "real" TT, and I need some advice. I have a cheapo stanton str8-20 TT that I got at guitar center for $120 a couple years ago, just to play a few of my old man's records. I've recently found myself listening to it alot, and am starting to notice it's shortcomings. It has a Audio Technica "universal" $30 cart. So, as you can see, I have a pretty low-end setup. I'm looking for a new-to-me table and cartridge. Total budget: $500.
I've been looking at Pro-ject's Debut III, Rega Planar 1, various Thorens (used), technics 1200(used). I keep finding conflicting reviews of all these things, and honestly I don't know a damn thing about cartridges. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks, Nick
napalmblast
napalmblast OP
6 posts
 
gentlemen. I took vegasears advice and got a SL-MK1210. I found it at a pawn shop for $175! Obviously this was a DJ table, cartridge was ruined, antiskate was up all the way, and it was dirty. But, everything works, speed is dead on, and I can't hear any rumble. Other than a bit of grime, the tonearm seems perfect to my uneducated eyes. It doesn't have any looseness, VTA and counter weight adjusts work smoothly, and if there's any bearing friction, I can't feel it, and could on the last one I had.
Now I need to know if there is anything else i should be checking for, problem-wise; and I need to decide on a cartridge. I since I saved a bit of money, I can get a slightly better cart, anything up to $200. I think I've narrowed it down to the following:
AT 440MLa
Ortofon 2M Blue
Goldring G2200
Grado Silver 1 Prestige
napalmblast OP
6 posts
 
oh! forgot the Denon DL-160
napalmblast OP
6 posts
 
Since no response since I mentioned the cartridge, I went ahead and got the Denon DL-110.
I am happy with the sound so far, but distorted electric guitar sounds mushed and strange. Bass, Vocals, Cymbals sound better than anything I've had in the past! Is my cheapo phonostage the problem here?
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
I've gone through three phono stages. Finding the right (for my gear) pre-amp was the key to good vinyl for me.

After getting my first Technics TT I was given this advise. Get hold of a Sumiko HS12 Headshell. They are a little pricy but adds mass to the 12xx's arm.

Good Luck and Enjoy!
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