Turntable recommendation


My wife and I are looking into getting a turntable. It would get light use as we mostly stream music via Qobuz. Current system is Bluesound Node, Yamaha CD-S303, Schiit Saga+, Schiit Vidar,  NSMT Chorus 25 speakers and NSMT EXP15 sub. We do not have a record collection as of yet. Based on current gear and the fact that it will get light use. What makes sense? The $379 Yamaha CD player gets light use as well. Seems like a reasonable place to start budget-wise unless its all junk at this price point. 

njwvista

I recommend this Audio Technica to get started

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120BK-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-USB/dp/B00GA9COMM?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A14IIJ8CA334LK&th=1

NOTE: ALL phono signals are weak and non-equalized, they need to be both pre-amplified up to LINE level and EQualized via industry standard RIAA. (Bass gets boosted/highs get cut)

AT120 has a built in Phono EQ, to boost and convert non-equalized phono signal to LINE, so it can be connected to any LINE/AUX input,

IF you have a separate MM Phono Input (moving magnet cartridge type, most common) , you can turn the eq in the TT off.

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IF you really get into LPs, then you might want to upgrade: 1st a better cartridge, 2nd a 'better' TT

@elliottbnewcombjr +1! This AT turntable for $328 is a very good choice! I'd add the Schiit Mani ($160) and a Grado Prestige cartridge ($90). The Mani and Grado are considerably better than what comes with the AT. Regarding the advice about a record cleaning machine - you don't need one if all you play are brand new LPs. Those don't need cleaning! Stay away from secondhand LPs - surface quality varies widely depending upon prior usage. Just buy new ones.

It's so easy to get caught up on the looks alone of the TT. I can see the budget getting tweaked a bit just like my other gear. I had a firm $1000 budget for the whole system. A mark well missed.

One more thing - get a record weight to be placed atop an LP during play. This will couple the LP to the turntable mat quite effectively! Nothing fancy required. AT makes a good one.

For a budget of $1K the Pioneer PLX1000 ($699) with the Schiit Mani ($160) plus Grado Prestige ($90) and AT record weight ($38) comes in under the wire! Check out the review of the PLX1000 by Herb Reichert a few years back in the Stereophile archives. I bought one when I wanted to add a brand new turntable to my collection.