Advice and recommendations needed for a turntable rig...

So I have decided to add a source (analog) in one audio system I have. I will be getting a turntable, cartridge and phono preamp. Currently DO NOT have turntable in my audio system (although some 40 years I had a Thorens TD 320 (modest belt drive TT). I like the idea of a mass loading TT and interested in a heavy TT. Looking for advice from those who have used any TT set up and why. Looking in the modest budget of $3500 price range for all components. Currently looking at a Pro-ject x8 Evolution TT with a Sumiko Blue Point #3 MC cartridge and the Pro-Ject Phono Box Ds2 phonostage (a Michael Fremer positive review).

I listen to Jazz, Blues and instrument music mostly...

2psyop03-10-2024 3:14am

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yogiboy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,701 posts 03-11-2024 at 11:57am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The Sutherland KS VIBE ($900.00) should fit the bill. The Grado OPUS 3 ($300.00). Any of the new Technics tables! Pass on those older Duals!
mahler123 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,356 posts 03-11-2024 at 12:26pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I agree with the go slow crowd. Just because you have 3.5K in the budget doesn’t mean that you need to spend it. Vinyl can be a PITA and once you have had the novelty of playing your new collection you might find yourself not going there. I wouldn’t bother with an included phono stage, as that is usually a major sonic compromise. I would get solid entry level. Get a decent moving magnet cartridge on a decent belt table. My CA mm only phono stage was good value at around $200. I prefer a Direct Drive table but you seem to lead in the other direction, but you should be able to score a decent weighty-belt drive with good mm cartridge for about $1K, especially if you go used. That should be a high level performance. If after a decent trial you want to upgrade if you stay with mm cartridge then the phono amp can still be used. If you break the cantilever on a mc cartridge trying to clean or change the cartridge, it’s a problem. With an mm cartridge you probably just need to replace the stylus. Just saying
audioguy85 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,018 posts 03-11-2024 at 01:55pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Great reviews on the music hall stealth direct drive turntable...$1699. Paired with music hall's own a3 tube preamp with alps blue velvet volume control...$999.
bslon Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,187 posts 03-11-2024 at 03:16pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Something to consider in your budget is a record cleaning system, especially since you’re getting your friend’s records…condolences and sorry to hear but cool that you get to have them. One of the least expensive ways to clean your LPs is a SpinClean…there are others. And a record brush, something light weight (carbon fiber, etc) that won’t drag down the platter’s speed. I tried to post a link, but Audiogon’s security denied it.
elliottbnewcombjr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,461 posts 03-11-2024 at 03:28pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Given the inheritance, and memories of your friend, you will ’stick with it’ as I wondered about earlier. The 1200 ....Technics are highly respected, come with removable headshell, good luck figuring out their many variations/naming What I personally do not like is their appearance. I started a conversation about Wood Surrounds for these, which changes the appearance enough for me to consider one. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/wood-surround-for-audio-technica-at120-technics-1200-and-technics-1210?highlight=technics%2Bwood A hint of the AR look (especially if you got a black one, if you do not restore the AR. I would keep the AR, which allows a future restoration.