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Turntables

I am kicking the idea of trying out vinyl. It’s been a long time since I had a turntable and it took a lot of thought whether I can deal with what always seemed like the snap, crackle & pops of an album. Anyway, I’ve decided to take a plunge after all the buzz how awesome it is. Of course before I make any final decisions, I always turn to the Audiogon community for their expert thoughts, opinions and education. I’m also looking for suggestions for a nice affordable table with tone arm and cartridge. Being the fact this is new to me and I may hate it, I’m looking for suggestions on the best affordable set up I can do for a new or used in the price range of $1000/$1500. I’m sure I can get a better bang for the buck going used. I just don’t know anything about these animals. My system is older but I still enjoy it which consist of a Mark Levinson 23.5 amp, Proceed AVP 2+6 used for 2 channel audio, Audio Acoustics model 9 speakers, Ayre DAC for digital with Transparent Audio Ultra mm2 cables. Any input is greatly appreciated!
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mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 
I have a new Thorens TD-203 w/ Ortofon 2m Blue cartridge. Very detail, musical with excellent pace and rhythm. I’m so impressed with what I have that if I steped up to your price range I’d get the Thorens TD-309 w/ Ortofon 2m Bronze or Black.

I bought mine from Rutherford Audio, the US importer which sells the TD309 for $1500 w/ 2m Bronze. Highly reviewed table and highly rated dealer. My 2¢.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Thorens-TD-309-in-White-New-with-Ortofon-2m-Bronze/253999150810?hash=item3b...
luvrockin's avatar
luvrockin OP
208 posts
 
@chakster - The reason I was looking for used is because I was in a budget of $1500 hopefully complete. As I stated initially, I'm new to vinyl so I really wasn't aware of all the in's and out's. $1500 was hopefully a table and cartridge to plug and play. I can't buy a new Technics 1200 alone for $1500. @ Guitar Center which sells them they are $1699 plus tx. At the boutique audio store I deal with, they are $2k. Now add the cartridge and I found out I need a phono pre. Im at $2500 to $3k. I can't do that especially if I'm just jumping in. I have pretty awesome digital and I'm hoping vinyl is going to rock my analog world. If it don't, its gone as quickly as I bought it lol! I get your a huge Technics guy and if found a SL-1200G/GR for $1000  or $1100, adding the extra's (cartridge & phono pre) on top are more achievable. I hope this makes sense.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Try this on US Audio Mart or another one from Canada @luvrockin 
I see your point, but saving on Turntable is a bad idea if the difference is not that big. I'm sure you can find some decent MM/MI cartridges for $200-300.  
last_lemming
632 posts
 
Do you have no where you can go and listen to a good vinyl set up just to see if it would even be worth your while?
luvrockin's avatar
luvrockin OP
208 posts
 
With all the suggestions, I thank you all. I have looked into every one of them and decided to pull the trigger and have an invoice awaiting payment on a "mint" VPI Scout Aries with dust cover. No cartridge included. The deal is going to set me over budget a bit but I landed the table for $1200, which I think is pretty fair. Now onto the cartridge 
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