2. analog
  3. 135651-11220

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
3tecate's avatar
3tecate
6 posts
 
the new Denon VL12 prime and the Pioneer PLX-1000 are legit and both under $1000....of course I have a Sound Smith modified Denon DL-103, a Jolida JD9 mkII phonostage and a Lounge Audio Copla MC head amp so that helps
harrylavo's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
harrylavo
346 posts
 
Since you seem to like "old school" let me give you an option.  Find a Dual 701 direct drive turntable.  The table itself is as good as any every produced, and the arm is excellent.  It should cost you well under $500.  Then spend the other $1500 on the bes MC cartridge and headamp you can listen to.
 
If you want to save money, here's a used combo that sounds as good as anything I've heard in the last 30 years:  Aforemention Dual 701, Accuphase AC-2 MC cartridge, Marcof PPA-2 battery-driven headamp.  Find them (relatively rare, put them together, and you've got at least $4000 of sound.
jsm71
141 posts
 

Nobody chimed in on the isolation platform so here goes.  You can duplicate Mapleshades offererings for less money.  I use a Booz Block cutting board.  It's 2 3/4" thick as I recall.  I use the same iso block pads they offer as well but you can get them here, and they are bigger pads:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200658811_200658811?cm_mmc=Bing-pla&utm_source=Bing_PLA&utm_medium=Air%20Tools%20%2B%20Compressors%20%3E%20Air%20Compressor%20Parts%20%2B%20Maintenance&utm_campaign=Klutch&utm_content=49494&msclkid=460a15c02a3512b4f6484f30a11434ec

knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
526 posts
 
Excellent @jsm71  thanks for that valuable info!
alexberger
921 posts
 
Lenco L70, L75, L78
Nothing can compete with Lenco in this price range.
I hate belt drives. They destroy a PRaT the entity of music.
More to discover