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Best TT under $1k

I’m looking to get into vinyl but don’t really no where to begin. I’ve been doing ample research on what TT to buy but am seeking the opinions of the A-gon community. I’m looking to spend under a grand, $750 if I can get away with it. (new or used)

Some units that I’ve looked at online:

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Esprit SB Turntable – $599
Rega Planar 2 Turntable – $675
VPI Cliffwood Turntable – $900
Rega Planar 3 Turntable – $945
Technics SL-1200MK2

Criteria in order of importance:

- Sound quality
- Must include cart
- Excellent build quality
- Upgrade-able. Usable now but can upgrade down the road.
- Easy to setup/ use/ maintain

Thanks,

Joe

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glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,538 posts
 
you've listed all the good ones in that price range so get out there and have a listen and make a choice. your not going to get a lot of upgradability in that price range but a little. I'd go to the higher end of your range as they will give you more for the money then the lower end ones. the planar 3, VPI and Technic's are great tables for the money. made by long term table manufacturers and will hold their value.
bpoletti
1,538 posts
 

My opinion...

Technics and VPI at the top
Pro-Ject

I would place the regas at the bottom of the list / table of last resort.  But that's just me (and ALL my family, friends and acquaintances).   

A used HW-19/III would be a very good and IMO better performer than any on the list.  Might find one with a nice arm in your price range.  
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Get yourself a used japanese Direct Drive instead of those cheap belt drive nonsense. The reason why they are relatively cheap is the belt drive.

Used Technics is still cheap just because Matsishita made millions of them. But a good Direct Drive motor ain’t cheap.

My advice is to expand the budged to $1700 for new Technics SL1200GR or vintage classics like Luxman PD-441, Denon DP-80, Victor TT-81 etc.


scm
299 posts
 
If you can find a nice clean Rega like a early P3 for a good price like $450 or so, then you can get your foot in the door.
 Then you can shop all the various upgrades that are out there.
Each upgrade can make for a nice improvement and can make it pretty interesting and fun at the same time !


gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
+1 chackster, OP not going to get all the priorities listed for less than a grand. I agree with chackster a used vintage DD in good shape will perform better than a cheap BD new. I still use my vintage 76 Sony PS4300 DD to compare with my VPI and although 40 years old it still satisfies. Both get playtime.
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