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Recommend an Entry Level Turntable (And maybe an integrated Amp)

I've been wanting to upgrade my system for a long time now.

My system currently consists of a pair of B&W 630's, an old Denon 50 watt reciever (DRA-550) from the mid 80's,  and a Marantz 5004 cd player.  I'm pretty happy with all three.

I'm looking to get into vinyl and The Project Debut Carbon turntable was recommended.  I listened to it but wasn't amazed by it. So I sent it back.

I then called my local audio store and the salesman said that if the system sounds good with cds but not with the turntable then the weak link is probably the phono pre amp.

So, he recommended the NAD C388 integrated amp which has the added benefit of more power (150 watts per channel) and bluetooth as well (something I definitely want).  He did qualify it by saying that reciever/amp technology hasn't changed much over the years.

He also recommended an upgrade of the turntable cartridge to the Sumiko Rainier.

Just thinking out loud.  I'd be open to adding a bluetooth and a new phono preamp to the Denon, but I'm not sure if that would be better.

TIA

klimt
vinylvin
151 posts
 

If it were me & I had 5k I would start with a Marantz MODEL 30 Integrated Amplifier.

tubehead120's avatar
tubehead120
35 posts
 

Rega and Project are great for set-and-forget types, but if you want to swap carts and play around in general you need a removable headshell and adjustable VTA.  Look at https://drop.com/buy/drop-audio-technica-carbon-vta-turntable.  It has those, a carbon arm, adjustable feet for leveling and comes with an AT VM95E, all for $349.

geof3
1,129 posts
 

The biggest difference is Class A/B amplification for the Hint 6 (Halo is the earlier, but similar model) vs Class D amplification. Do a search on the two if not familiar. With the B&W’s Class A/B would be the better bet IMO synergy wise.

jrwaudio
357 posts
 

A little off topic as l've never had a turntable in my stereo rig So l receive a call from my Son and he tells me that someone in his neighborhood has posted " turntable free to a good home" He thought of me right away ( good Son) So l jump in my car right away and go pick it up. To my surprise it's a 1915 Victor-Victrola in almost perfect condition with working turntable! It even came with a few old, l mean really old 78's

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,952 posts
 

OP,

I and 2 of my friends have done very well on canuckaudiomart.

Use PayPal for it's protection, and use your best credit card to pay paypal so you get the CC protection also. Seller may want you to split or pay the 3% paypal seller's fee they were not planning on, the protection is worth it.

You need an invoice for the item, i.e. 'goods' so you are paying for goods (protected) rather than sending money which is not protected.

Insurance: keep in mind, the seller is paying on your behalf, and if a damage claim, the seller has to make the claim, thus is is IMPERATIVE items are properly DOUBLE BOXED.

I had a bad experience, because Eugene didn't double box the unit, sadly destroyed, he gave me a full refund, but such a shame and it took a while. Got the one I have now from Vlad on canuckaudiomart, he is a master packager!!!

I would buy from Eugene, he had lots of great items, only after we had a conversation about double boxing. 

.....................................

Another option, any item 'local pickup only' (any seller unsure about packaging): you pre-arrange and pay UPS to pack and ship to you, even from Canada. Find UPS office near seller, pre-arrange, seller simply takes unpackaged item to UPS in your name. UPS calls with the price, you pay them, they guarantee undamaged delivery. I just did it, worked like a charm.

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