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Need help: turntable market in the $1500-$2000 range is overwhelming

I’m looking for a new turntable. Had a Dual 1229 years ago but it broke and I got out of vinyl and all that. Got a crappy Audio-Technica around the holidays last year because I thought I’d digitize my records but I don’t feel like doing that anymore and it’s a fiddly turntable that doesn’t sound great. I’m giving myself $1500-$2000 to jump in with the expectation of buying something that’ll keep me happy for a few years.

Sorry, but no Technics tables please!!!! Black or silver. They all look like my crappy Audio-Technica and I’m going to be shallow and say looks matter and that I’m agnostic at best about direct drive. Yeah, I’m dumb.

So in the price range I’ve established I’ve looked at and found interesting offerings from:

—SOTA
—Rega
—Pro-Ject
—Music Hall
—Clearaudio
—Marantz

And what feels like a zillion others.

So how the hell do I choose in a market flooded with tables in my price range? 

Oh, and sure, tell me how stupid I am for not wanting a Technics like I keep seeing recommended on the forum, but I’m not going to buy one so please help me with another offering if you can!!!

And I’d prefer to buy new so I can work with a dealer or manufacturer if there are any issues.....
larshepping
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
OP, The choice is easy....buy the Music Hall MMF-7.3. It’s available in both walnut and gloss black, I’d choose the walnut as it will not show fingerprints and dust. It comes with electronic speed control, a dual plinth, a detached motor, a carbon fiber pro-ject arm, and a terrific Ortofon 2m bronze cartridge. Show me another table for $1595 (black), $1795 (walnut) that offers all this....
     Alternatively, I would suggest you take a look at the Pro-Ject The Classic Evo.
naimfan
166 posts
 
I'd go with a Rega P6.  Fuss-free, and excellent sounding.  I compared it to a MoFi Ultradeck and a Clearaudio Concept; preferred the Rega.  At $1995 with Exact2 (MM) or $2195 with Ania (MC) cartridge, I think it's the best sounding combo in the price range.  
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,781 posts
 
@audioguy - YOU try soldering a strand of copper wire thinner than a human hair. I couldn't do it. I will never purchase from this manufacturer again. You will do what you want.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
"I'd go with a Rega P6.  Fuss-free, and excellent sounding.  I compared it to a MoFi Ultradeck and a Clearaudio Concept; preferred the Rega.  At $1995 with Exact2 (MM) or $2195 with Ania (MC) cartridge, I think it's the best sounding combo in the price range."

What cartridges did the three turntables referenced above have mounted? 


avanti1960
1,471 posts
 
OP,
Lots of turntables look cool but the best sound will come from a precision mechanical design-
The best sounding turntable will do the following-
1) Have excellent built in isolation from vibration.
2) Have excellent speed accuracy.
3) Have excellent speed stability.
4) Have smooth low friction tonearm bearings to minimize noise.
5) Have an easily adjustable tonearm for VTA optimization to get the best out of top range cartridges.
My Technics 1200GR does all of the above.

Similar in appearance to the old 1200 models and yes your AT as well as other low cost tables but that is where the similarity ends.  They sound full, remarkably stable and energetic with big impact, drive and energy.  
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