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Turntable help/recommendation with specific setup

Hi all,

I've been recently lurking here as I'm just starting the hifi journey. I thought I'd join and try to get some guidance on a decent turntable that pairs well with the system I'm getting. I'm going the low wattage/high sensitivity route as my setup will consist of a Luxman SQ-N150 integrated tube amp and the Omega compact alnico monitors.

What are some good turntable/cartridge set ups ideally under $1500 ($2k at the absolute max), keeping in mind the Luxman also has a switchable MM/MC phono stage? At this price point, should I just stick to MM cartridges? And is there anything else I should keep in mind or look for to keep synergy in the system or, at this level, should I just not overthink it and get something like the P3?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
philoh
speakermaster
738 posts
 
The p3 rega would be just fine in your case but you will want to get a good cartridge for it do not bother with a rega cartridge at all go for something better like a dynavector 10x5 for now.
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scotttubenut
16 posts
 
+1 on the Rega P3. I like Rega TT's and the P3 is a great value.

However,  if you can push your budget to $2K, the Rega P6 with the Exact MM cartridge is, in my opinion, the better way to go. I really liked the P3, but by the time I had added the upgrades I eventually wanted I was in the price territory of the P6 and the P6 was still the better table. 
mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 
+1 for the Rega P6.  Put a very nice phono cartridge on it, of which several good choices are mentioned above, and you are well on your way.  And it looks very nice, too.  As you get on with it then eventually you will want to upgrade to a higher level cartridge and your turntable/arm will be very well capable of revealing the sonic benefits.  I hope this helps you.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
Get the music hall mmf-7.3 with the included 2m bronze....best deal out there. The walnut version is beautiful. $1795
mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 
We all have opinions and nobody is necessarily right or wrong.  That's why this is such a fun and personal hobby.  The Music Hall mmf-7.3 is a wonderfully built turntable and is in the very same price class as the Rega P6.  My opinion, however, is that the power supply unit and the plinth construction materials of the P6 are the better way to go.  The Music Hall uses sorbothane in the mid-layer between their two-plinth concept.  It is well documented that sorbothane detracts from the lively sound in music reproduction.  While it well serves the purpose of damping vibration it also creates another problem for the music.  Some people say that it sucks the life out of the music.  That may be a bit drastic, but you can easily research the effects of sorbothane and come to your own conclusion.  I still say that the Rega P6 is the better choice.  My opinion, of course.  There certainly are other options in this price class but should you choose a Rega P6 you are in for owning a very nice turntable that can easily take you well up the range of phono cartridges.  
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