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Recommendation on a basic turntable setup

Quick intro. I have been in audio for many years now.  Never tried a turnatable.  With this Covid, I have some free time and want to give it a try.  I am quite happy with my Theta Va DAC with Logitech streaming or Spotify streaming through Chrome Audio.  So if you can recommend a turntable that will be comparable or better that will be great.

The system I am planning to set it up with includes the following components (extra gear laying around):
- Sonic Frontiers SFL 1 Pre-amp
- Sonic Frontiers SFS 40 Amp
- Sonus Faber Concertino with stand

I would prefer a setup that is not too complicated to setup.  Budget is under $1000.

Thanks!
Sean
seanchau
seanchau OP
47 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations. My premap does have a phono input. Not sure if it is any good tho. Have to start somewhere. Thanks! 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,816 posts
 

The obvious question is: do you now own any LP's? (as you don't own a tt, I assume not). Or are you going to start buying them after getting a player? You "want to give it a try", but what you will be giving a try is not just a turntable, but LP's and everything that comes with them.

You'll need a serious cleaner (at least a RCM by VPI, Project, Nitty Gritty, Oki Noki, etc.) and cleaning solutions, a cartridge/stylus alignment protractor and stylus cleaner, and an isolation platform or shelf (LP players are very sensitive to vibration).

Have you considered the cost of new LP's, or are you intending to try used ones? New ones run about $20-$30, unless you get far enough into LP's to locate cheaper sources. Are you prepared to send back defective LP's? Warps, noise, and other defects are not uncommon in new LP's.

Not to be discouraging, but to paraphrase an old expression, LP's are not for sissies. ;-) 

roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@bdp24 : Stop trying to scare him off! Regarding LPs: there are a million used available online - no need to go outside shopping. Prices from $1 and up! New reissues today are IMO too expensive (and sourced mainly from digital files). I hardly ever buy any new! An original pressing in VG condition is much preferable!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@noromance : Good recommendation! I too bought a PLX1000 when I was curious and wanted to add a new TT to my vintage collection (a dozen +) of belt, idler, dd, linear-tracking TTs. The PLX1000 represents excellent value - even though it comes from Ch*na! Best choice under $1K!
seanchau OP
47 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like the PLX1000 is quite popular. I will most likely start with a simple setup and buy new and used LP.  It is part of the fun to discover and learn right?  I know a lot of you are quite hardcore audiophile and everything must be perfect. I may start with a few LP and just stopped.  I always wanted to try turntable setup and the idea seems fun.  I don't know if I will ever own a cleaner. At that point I think it would end up ruining the fun for me.  But appreciate all the suggestions. It is a bit insane to me that 1k setup is too little.  I just don't want to end up getting a setup that requires constant upgrades. I'm perfectly satisfied with my systems and have not upgraded in the past few years. I find myself enjoying music and my systems more than ever now.  
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