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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
grinnell
1,092 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
7 posts
 

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

 

https://www.fluance.com/turntables

cheers

williewonka
3,075 posts
 

Take a look at the Music Hall, the MMF3.3 is in your budget

Here are the specs

  • Gorgeous high-gloss piano black lacquer or exquisite walnut veneer finish
  • Music Hall’s unique dual-plinth design – isolating the electronics and motor from the main bearing and tonearm
  • 33⅓, 45, or 78 rpm speeds at the touch of a button
  • Electronic speed controlled DC motor for superior speed stability, isolated on lower plinth
  • Custom carbon fiber tonearm with alloy headshell for superb tracking ability
  • Flexible internal tonearm wire drawn from high purity copper
  • Counterweight’s center of gravity is level with the stylus tip is decoupled from the arm and acts as a resonance damper
  • Tonearm features user adjustable VTA and azimuth
  • Highly regarded Ortofon 2M Red cartridge with replaceable elliptical stylus ($100 value)
  • The cartridge supplied is properly aligned and mounted
  • High precision stainless steel and bronze main bearing assembly for quiet fluid operation
  • Special vibration damping adjustable feet
  • High quality gold RCA connectors with detachable phono cable
  • Full-size alloy platter and felt mat
  • Dust cover and 45 rpm adaptor included

Regards - Steve

alan60's avatar
alan60
175 posts
 

Value for money Rega's never disappoint if buying new.

Would try against the Technics though as I am not so sure new budget turntables would necessarily be that much better and always found the Grado Black to be very good value for money.

Might get more bang for buck looking at secondhand market for a better amp or speakers or even both.

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