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Is a GREAT turntable under $2000 possible???

Howdy folks-

I’m really enjoying my current set up and return to 2.1 channel listening and Home Theater. Here’s what I’ve got:

-Mc402 Amp
-Anthem Mrx 520
-Oppo 103 Bdp with Scott Nixon tube dac
-Mac Mini with a Scott Nixon Usb tube dac
-Audience and Wireworld cables
-Tekton Electron speakers

I’d like to introduce vinyl to my evening listening pleasure. Any recommendations for a turntable (including arm, cartridge, etc) under $2000? Is this a reasonable figure? I have no clue when it comes to turntables so any advice given is surely appreciated.

Brent

128x128knollbrent
alanholvey's avatar
alanholvey
96 posts
 
The new Mobile Fidelity turntable goes for under $2000 and supposedly is quite good for the money.  Recently a nearby high end audio dealer dropped Rega and now only carries Music Hall and Mobile Fidelity in his lower cost turntable offerings.  I myself was able to purchase a mint Thorens/Rabbo combination for $950 so there is always the used market as well.  Of course I would have to pay considerably more to do better than my Thorens/Rabco combo.  Oh yes, I also have an original AR turntable which works quite well for my small audio system.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@wspohn @alanholvey 

the OP already purchased new Technics SL1200GR 
jsm71
141 posts
 

@knollbrent - my earlier suggestion of the Marantz was my attempt to keep the total cost =< $2k.  I owned the Marantz myself and it served me well for about 5 years.  I have since upgraded to the Technics 1200G.   It's my retirement table.

You made the right choice given your willingness to stretch the budget some.

sjtm
92 posts
 

I was able to find a like new Music Hall 9.1 TT on this site for $750 and a gently used Clearaudio Maestro V2 cart for $525.  While I am sure a table like a VPI Prime or Classic may have much to offer, I would be hard pressed to replace my setup for 2 or 3 times the price and expect a material improvement in sound quality.

As is usually been my experience, most people on this site treat their equipment with great care and typically only sell to either upgrade, downsize or just to try something new.  My entire system was acquired used on this site and Audio Mart, and every purchase has met or exceeded my expectations.

dpetri's avatar
dpetri
36 posts
 
It depends on your definition of great.
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