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Best budget turntable?

Looking to buy my son a new turntable.  He has an entry level audiophile system, consisting of an NAD 316 integrated amp with PSB 2 way stand mount speakers. His current TT is an old Technics DD with P-mount Grado Black cartridge.

I'm looking to spend about $1000 - $1200 ish, any more and next thing I know his whole system will need an upgrade.

Options I've considered: Technics 1500C or  Pioneer PLX 1000 with a decent MM cartridge for DD options; and a Rega P3 for a belt "audiophile" option.  A Clearaudio Concept (base model) at $1800 is just beyond where I'm looking.

Honestly, it kinda bugs me that the Rega weighs 12 pounds while the other less prestigious DD models weigh 21 and 30 lbs, respectively (Concept weighs 17).  I've never been convinced of Rega's light weight philosophy, I guess.

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks!

bobbydd
jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

@knotscott I would agree and I have the MP500 on one of my tables and the MP200 on the other. The MP200 would be a massive upgrade over the Grado.

Nagaoka MP500 is a wonderful cartridge as is the MP200 and I think would be better suited with his NAD Integrated.

Just another opinion.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,607 posts
 

Just mount that VM750SH and you''ll be close enuff.

mr_m
1,900 posts
 

ProJect Debut Pro. Lots of good features, solid, and includes a cartridge. All for $1000.

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 

A Rega P3 is the way to go for a big sound upgrade, not to mention its very up gradable as well. Might be fun for a young audiophile to play with. I prefer the Dynavector 10X5 for the Rega tonearm, a match made in heaven.

 

www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-3

www.groovetracer.com

 

Matt M

dayglow
1,907 posts
 

The Rega Planar 3(P3) has the most capable tonearm but when adding a basic Dynavector cartridge your around $2k retail. I set up a Pioneer PLX 1000 with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge for my sister and was impressed with the overall balanced sound.

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