2. analog
  3. 169185-9347

Help me decide on first turntable purchase

This is my first turntable purchase. Last time I had a TT was when I was teenager in the 80's. I don't have much vinyl at all so I have to buy records as well. Budget is $3000, really don't want to go over that. I need a phono stage as well. My system is Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII, PrimaLuna EVO 400 integrated. My digital is a Innuos Zenith mkIII into a Chord Qutest. My initial thoughts on a couple tables were the Mofi Ultradeck, Music Hall 7.3 and Rega Planar 6. I am sorry but I just don't like the look of the Technics stuff. I am not a big fan of the Rega looks either but I know it gets great reviews. I was considering a Clear Audio Concept until I joined the Facebook owners group and hear about all the motor speed problems. Initial phone Pre I was looking at were the Mofi and KC Vibe. The Ultradeck seems very solid and seems to get great reviews.
Thank you for your thoughts. 
128x128jmphotography
kennyc
1,472 posts
 
@jmphotography
Cheapest- buy and sell used.

For new turntable, get the Ultradeck.  Bundling with the positively reviewed Ultratracker or better yet the MasterTracker will save you $.  Even paired relatively inexpensive phono stage will sonically sound better than trying to split the budget- you can further upgrade phono stage later.  
relayer101's avatar
relayer101
614 posts
 
I have a Clearaudio Concept TT with the upgraded Carbon Fiber tonearm and am very satisfied with the table and have never had an issue with the motor or inaccurate speed. I also have a Clearaudio Phono Preamp that sounds great.
I also know two friends with Clearaudio tables with no issues.
Prior to the Concept my primary table was a Music Hall mmf-5 and it performed without an issue for over 15 years and sounded great. Absolutely great value and quality for the price.
I also still have a Technics SL-3200 as a secondary table that I purchased about 40 years ago that is a great table. Enjoy the search!


femoore12's avatar
femoore12
683 posts
 
@ wturkey
Save some coin and try a U-Turn.
This is great advice and I tell everyone that asks me the same thing. I did this when I got started. I wasn't certain if I would enjoy playing albums again. I got a basic U-Turn and I quickly learned I loved it. It allowed time to let me find the perfect turntable for my system while buying a lot of albums.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
The Ultradeck is fine.
xcool's avatar
xcool
273 posts
 
I was like you, I got back into vinyl last year after switching to digital almost 40 years ago. I wanted to be conservative and not spend too much money in case I don’t like it.

I ended up getting a Project Classic. It was selling at a discount last year because the new EVO model came out. I paired it with my good old Shure V15 Type IV, and a Vincent PHO 701 phono stage.

I have to say I never did find the sound was that good. It was different, but not better than my digital setup with Lumin T2.

I decided to upgrade earlier this year and bought the Mofi Ultradeck with the MasterTracker combo. What a huge difference, the Mofi sounds much better, and a lot quieter than the Project. I can’t say I’ve listened to many turntables, but I think the Mofi is a solid choice at its price point.

I also upgraded my phono stage to a Herron, based on the overwhelmingly good reviews here in this forum. I now love my analog setup.

Good luck!
More to discover