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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
buddyboy1
106 posts
 

No Brainer....I have a mid fi system and Love my U-TURN turntable with the ORTOFON BLUE cart. $500 and absolute sweetness come thru my Klipsch....JBL and Tekton speakers. Very Life- Like!  Do not get the RED cart....go with the BLUE....Much smoother.

scm
314 posts
 

Look for a clean one owner Rega P3. Be sure it has the original box for safe shipping and resale value later on if you decide to move up the line.

The Rega has a great aftermarket upgrade path that will definitely improve the sound with each step of the way.

Here`s a couple ideas in the upgrade department:

Groovetracer Subplatter..the difference is so very clear right out of the box !

Rega NEO power supply...surprising what it does.

The list can go on and on as budget allows.

Buy everything 'right' ( meaning used if you can wait) and make sure to keep all the factory boxes, that way you could even sell off each item if you wanted and not lose much at all or  you could even make a couple dollars in the end and have fun along the way. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,071 posts
 

Rega makes good sounding tables but with Rega you run into lack of flexibility with adjustments. You’re going to need to be carefully matching a cartridge to arm for VTA or potentially use spacers. In either case it’s a pain and you’re loosing that last bit of fine tuning which could be important. 
I think a used Clearaudio Concept, Marantz TT-15 or MoFi Studio Deck may be some of the better choices. Just a thought….

jim5559
604 posts
 

I have a Rega 6 and  a MoFi best  and a Pioneer 1000  .

Buy the Pioneer and play with carts .

Won't have to worry about MoFi  fix it, they have none .

pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 

pretty much a pointless exercise because you are going to get a million and one answers based on what people own and be no wiser than when you started. Also depends entirely on whether you are willing to go second hand.

As always the only way to decide is to ask yourself what you want out of a tt, shortlist those that will fulfil your requirements then go out there and listen for yourself. Getting people to decide for you is a one way trip to dissatisfaction..

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