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Help Picking a turntable

Hi Everyone,

Rod at my local store here where I buy my gear (unless I buy here at Audiogon) was at my house doing a master set for my speakers (they sound much better) and he suggested I consider getting a turntable and switching to records from cds to get better sound.  I am considering his suggestion but my biggest problem is that I don't know anything about turntables.  Rod recommended a turntable package from EAT that includes the arm, cartridge etc. for about $6,500, which is more than I want to spend.  He said he would look into turntables that are a bit less that would still sound good but I thought I would also check with everyone here to see if anyone had ideas also that I could discuss with Rod when I meet with him.  I'd like to stay under $3000 for the turntable package (turntable, arm, cartridge etc.). 

My current system is: Thiel 3.7 speakers; ARC REF 75 SE amp; ARC LS-17 SE pre-amp (I will also need a phono stage which I know will be in addition to the $3,000 I am willing to spend on the turntable package); analysis plus solo crystal oval speaker wire and interconnects.  Lastly, all of my music now is played through my Simaudio 280d DSD DAC (my cd player, computer etc are all hooked into the dac directly -- no wi fi). 

I'd appreciate any advice and suggestions to help educate me before I go down to Rod's store again and listen and meet with him.  As I said, I know nothing about turntables so any advice, suggestions etc. are very welcome.  Thank you all again in advance for your responses.     
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stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,460 posts
 
..anything with a VPI logo.  Their products are always above their price point, and their great support is always there.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Technics SP-10 -- $1000...1500 with SME3009 arm $5...700. I'd personally prefer linear arm such as MG 1.2, but to the beginner working with linear arms might not be a very good idea.

The cartridge I'd pick is Goldring Eroica $500. Very easy to setup and maintain. They come as H (2.5mv) and LX (0.5mv). This cartridge opens lots of ways to choose best phonostage that will be in synergy with your preamp and your cartridge.

Please note, if you're getting to analogue playback with no knowledge how to operate and service, you'd better do your homework prior. Dealers can milk you for labor that worth really nothing and doable by anyone. 

First records to purchase is best by going to local used record store that will also most-likely sell new sealed records as well(hey like in good old days in 70's..80's). Carefully examine condition of each used record you purchase -- this way you save LOTS of money vs. new sealed re-issues.
I just like any audiophile here, like to have in my shelves records in new condition to the point of not having even a single fingerprint on vinyl surface and that's the way I shop.

bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
I agree that VPI seems to produce the best tables at their price points.  They are VERY hard to beat.  As a suggestion, a used early VPI table can generally / often be upgraded with one of their 2 inch aluminum platters / bearings and motor system.  That will raise the performance of the older table significantly. 

As for a phono stage, IMO, you only need to know the Herron Audio brand.  Pick either an updated VTPH-1 (if you're lucky enough to find one) or the VTPH-2.  Though the -2 is a big step up over the -1, both are in the top drawer for performance.  And both cost MUCH less than the much more expensive phono stages that they better.  At least that has been my experience and the experience of others.
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