2. analog
  3. 161421-491

Starter turntable and MM cartridge recommendations

My daughter and her husband are putting together their first system.  They are wanting to build their system around vinyl, but are on a limited budget, with something like $700-$1000 allocated for that table and a MM cartridge.  They will be using the internal MM phono preamp on a Lyngdorf 2170 integrated.  A used table is fine.
brownsfan
donvito
400 posts
 
This VPI Cliffwood should fit the bill. It comes with a Grado cartridge !
https://upscaleaudio.com/collections/vpi/products/vpi-cliffwood
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Pioneer PLX1000 ($699 and free shipping from various online sellers like American Musical Supply) and a Grado MI cartridge ($79 and up). I bought one when I wanted to add a new TT to my collection of vintage TTs. Mine has a Denon 103R mc cartridge on it ($349). You can read Herb Reichert's review in the Stereophile archives.
brownsfan OP
1,508 posts
 
Thanks to all who have responded so far.  I do think that which ever table she ends up buying, it does make some sense to buy new from a dealer who can offer guidance.  I've been out of the vinyl game for so long I'm not much use to her on this particular issue.
strateahed
305 posts
 
For that budget, here's something to consider: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_057ATLP7/Audio-Technica-AT-LP7.html

Excellent, across-the-board reviews, free shipping and 60-day trial. (No affiliation):

Happy Listening!


schubert
7,386 posts
 
Pioneer PLX1000 and a 150$ Grado is good .

If they are not going to become audio nuts the US made U-Turn out
of Boston sounds quite good .I first heard it at Frank VanAlstine’s place, its what he uses and the old fox knows what he is doing . .Turned my neighbor to one and he’’s happy .Most expensive of what they sell is less than 500$ with cart .
Their web is outstanding .



More to discover