What would be a good turntable/tonearm/cartridge

There's really no such thing as a turntable that's easy to set up and maintain. A turntable requires very careful setup, and maintenance with LPs is never-ending.

"11-27-15: Cleeds
There's really no such thing as a turntable that's easy to set up and maintain. A turntable requires very careful setup, and maintenance with LPs is never-ending."

For some people maybe.

You can buy an all Rega TT and cart that's pretty much plug and play. They use a 3 screw system on their carts that doesn't need to be adjusted or aligned.

There's plenty of really nice entry level gear out there to choose from. If you think you may need some guidance, call Larry at Hollywood Sound in FL. He's known all over the country as one of the best analog people you can deal with. I recommend him because he's the best at setting up affordable systems. Whatever your budget is, he'll make sure you get the best sound for what you spend.

We need to know your budget and if your CJ has a phonostage. If not, you'll need to add a phono preamp.

Some vinyl newbies want a plug and play TT/arm/cart setup. Some want vintage (but you may need to spend money on upgrading parts, plus having it shipped by a private seller is risky).

Lastly, if your budget allows, you can buy something above entry-level that is upgradable; you can change the tonearm, platter, add a separate power supply.
The Rega RP3 TT is an example where you can start with the basics and upgrade later.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-RP3-Turntable?sc=2&category=45

Check out a variety of TTs at Needle Doctor.

If you have a high-end system steer clear of entry level turntables, you will get nothing but disappointment. But you don't have to buy expensive cartridge right away.
Yes, every turntable requires careful set-up, but maintaining it doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, it's minimal work.
Larry likes Nottingham turntables and MC cartridges.

WG - as indicated was possible in the post by zd542...

I have "pimped out" my 30+ year old $200 Rega Planar II to the point where the only original Rega parts left is the on/off switch and the plexiglass cover

The following are the mod's in approximate chronological order

1. I preferred the Michell Techno weight to the standard rega weight - it lowers the centre of gravity of the weight which improved dynamic and bass performance.

2. I preferred an acrylic platter over the Glass Platter - it does not ring so much and you can avoid using a mat, which I found improved dynamic performance and clarity.

3. lower end Rega's use a plastic sub-platter (i.e. the part the glass platter sits on). I prefer an alloy sub-platter, especially for the acrylic platter, since I found it enhanced the overall clarity

3. I found having the arm wiring replaced with a one piece silver litz cable enhanced details considerably over the stock rega wiring - which improved details, clarity, imaging and bass perofrmance - this was my first arm modification.

4. I replaced the plinth - there are several options available, but being "handy" I made my own and found it improved the overall performance considerably.

5. I ended up replacing the entire arm with an Audiomods Series 3 arm, which is a far superior adaption of the rega arm - and comes with the litz wiring mentioned above standard and micrometer VTA adjustment (if desired). The only thing this arm has in common with the Rega arms is - the arm tube and even that has been re-engineered. Superb value!

6. I replaced the steel ball in the bearing with a ceramic ball - reduced rumble to "near-zero"

7. Rega Motor Upgrade - it reduced speed variations

The approximate cost of all of that > $2k

I would recommend getting a TT that has...
- a removable cover, otherwise it can resonate
- comes with spiked feet - or
- exceptional isolation feet - the rega feet are quite poor

The nice thing about this approach - I got to implement enhancements over time as the budget became available and as my knowledge evolved.

Knowing what I know now - I would probably opt for something that would take a little less "effort" - Like something from
- VPI
- Music Hall
- SOTA
- Michell

But then hindsight is 20/20 :-)

Cartridges...
- for the rega style arm, the stock Denon DL103 is a great performing moving coil "starter cartridge", reasonably priced at $229 and a breeze to setup - but you can get upgrades for this as well, like...
- one of the ZU 103's which perform significantly better than the stock 103 - or
- the Soundsmith 103's - almost the "ultimate" in 103 mods, but they do require a MINT protractor for the best setup/sound.
- There is a guy in Italy that does a complete 103 rebuild, which involves rewinding the coils - $$$$$$ + TIME

I've tried Rega, Nogoka and a few other cartridges, but found I preferred the sound of the Denon's in my system

I guess it all depends on your own personal "approach" and more importantly - your budget.

I also agree with another member - if your system is highly resolving - get a TT with comparable abilities

I also use a Simaudio MOON LP5.3RS phono stage - which performs extremely well - especially if you use a great power cable - or the available seperate power supply.

And those are just some of the mods out there :-)

Hope this helps