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

128x128audionoobie
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 !


+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.
I wouldn’t let the inclusion of a cartidge dictate your purchase. If you want a very good NIB table with warranty, the Pioneer PLX-1000 is the best value by a country mile. Order it from somewhere like Needle Doctor or Music Direct and ask them to install a cartridge like the https://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-VM540ML-Phono-Cartridge

Keep in mind that your analog system will need a phono preamp unless your receiver or integrated (or separate line stage preamp) already has one built-in. I’d go with the Mo-Fi Studio Phono at $250. This would put you a little over budget at MSR prices, but most dealers will gladly grant a 10% discount simply for asking. Tell Needle Doctor you’d like the whole package for $1K. That would yield a very respectable starter system IMO and provide a path to support should you run into any problems.
There is a Denon DP6000 for sale $790 on another site related to an audio asylum.
You can do quite well in the used market for your price range. As already recommended, a vintage VPI (HW-19 or even an HW-19 Jr.) will serve you well. There are many other options that will serve you as well as (or better than) the options you've listed.