Help me decide on first turntable purchase

@ wturkey

Save some coin and try a U-Turn.

This is great advice and I tell everyone that asks me the same thing. I did this when I got started. I wasn't certain if I would enjoy playing albums again. I got a basic U-Turn and I quickly learned I loved it. It allowed time to let me find the perfect turntable for my system while buying a lot of albums.

The Ultradeck is fine.

I was like you, I got back into vinyl last year after switching to digital almost 40 years ago. I wanted to be conservative and not spend too much money in case I don’t like it.

I ended up getting a Project Classic. It was selling at a discount last year because the new EVO model came out. I paired it with my good old Shure V15 Type IV, and a Vincent PHO 701 phono stage.

I have to say I never did find the sound was that good. It was different, but not better than my digital setup with Lumin T2.

I decided to upgrade earlier this year and bought the Mofi Ultradeck with the MasterTracker combo. What a huge difference, the Mofi sounds much better, and a lot quieter than the Project. I can’t say I’ve listened to many turntables, but I think the Mofi is a solid choice at its price point.

I also upgraded my phono stage to a Herron, based on the overwhelmingly good reviews here in this forum. I now love my analog setup.

Good luck!

If you don't mind a unusual design, Well Tempered Labs makes a very good sounding turntable.

+ 1 for the Well Tempered! The Simplex is in your price range. There also may be some used ones.