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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
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
1,928 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.

grinnell
1,107 posts
 

Nice used HW-19 mk 2-4  he can mod it as he becomes more of an audionut

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

Thorens TD160 or TD165 is a hell of an entry level turntable. There are plenty of them used in great shape. Do your best homework and you'll catch it for a very good deal.

johntori
8 posts
 

Have a look at the line of Fluance tables. Lots of great reviews online

 

https://www.fluance.com/turntables

cheers

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