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Looking at Turntable: belt drive or direct drive?

Hello.

I am thinking about venturing into the vinyl world! I am really stuck on three questions: -direct drive or belt , probably automatic/not getting any younger/

                 -turn table with or without phono preamp 

                 -first budget purchase around $1500 or so , but does that give me a  

                  decent start?

My system:

Rogue Pahraoh II integrated.

Focal Aria 926 

Audioquest cables and interconnects.

Thank you for taking the time.

rockanroller
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Pioneer PLX1000 direct drive TT ($700) + Hana SL mc cartridge ($750). You can go lower on the cartridge: Hana EL ($500) or a Denon 103R ($350). Even lower would be a Grado or AudioTechnica mm cartridge.

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Does the Rogue have a phono stage? If not, then a Schiit Mani will be a good choice ($130). Or for more money a Bellari.

ghdprentice
7,494 posts
 

I would definitely get turntable without a phono stage. Phono stages are critical in the performance of a turntable, probably the first thing you will want to upgrade. I wasn’t happy until I got a $1.6K + over 30 years ago. This way you can upgrade the cartridge, and Phonostage before the table. In this price range I would look at Rega.

pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 

turntable drive - as always, thre are no absolutes, depends on the implementation..

dover
2,291 posts
 

My recommendation would be a new Rega package with matching Rega phono stage. Its a great starter, easy to set up and musical. P3 plus MM phono & cartridge.

 

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