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Inexpensive turntable to play old records

I am looking for an inexpensive turntable to play old records that are not in the best shape but very important to me. I have a lot invested in my vinyl rig and I am about 80% vinyl system. Running a VPI Prime 21 - Hana Umami Blue combo into a Manley Chinook. My dad passed in early January and I found all his old Elvis records when cleaning at my mom's house. He loved his Elvis records and they traveled with him while he was in the military in Germany and Korea, so they are not in the best shape and I would not feel safe running them on the Umami Blue. I cleaned them up and put them in sleeves to preserve them. For me, it would just be cool to hear the same records my dad loved and traveled with him in the the army. Was thinking of an inexpensive table with a phono pre that I can just plug into my Primaluna Integrated and not have to disconnect my VPI from the Chinook. I mean this is really only something I might plug in a couple times a years for sentimental reasons. Would like to keep it under 250-300. Any thoughts?

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elliottbnewcombjr
5,559 posts
 

OP

I always recommend an Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB (several variations) as being a darn good starter TT. Direct Drive. Removable Headshell.

It has optional Phono EQ (I liked it better than my McIntosh C28’s phono).

It now comes with

AT-VM95E MM phono cartridge

which has 6 interchangeable stylus. One advantage is replacing the stylus, the MM cartridge body remains factory aligned

Another advantage of removable headshells: allows alternate headshell(s) for MONO Cartridge; others you may own.

.............................

 

lewm

I was selling LPs, giving farewell listens. I realized I was putting unneccesary wear on my good stylus.

I started playing with a MM with replaceable stylus, Shure 97xe, my favorite elliptical.

Always used ones for sale

 

slaw's avatar
slaw
21,864 posts
 

I've played noisy lps with my Sussurro after US cleaning. The cartridge still sounds great with around 5k hours in it 

tablejockey
3,935 posts
 

"I cleaned them up and put them in sleeves to preserve them"

Your Hana won't  mind. Play them on the VPI.

If there's  groove  damage, you'll hear it just like any record in your collection.

Enjoy the memories.

soix
9,695 posts
 

Sorry about your Dad. Here’s another ‘table from AT, this one offered on Drop with some nice features like a carbon fiber tonearm, AT-VM95E MM phono cartridge, VTA adjustment, MDF plinth, and a nice walnut veneer that looks nicer than most ‘tables in this price range IMHO. This turntable gets consistently excellent reviews from Drop customers and is actually $30 cheaper than the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN it’s based on that I don’t think even offers the VTA adjustment. Best of luck, and enjoy Elvis!


https://drop.com/buy/drop-audio-technica-carbon-vta-turntable

theflattire
209 posts
 

I got a Dual 1218 off CL just for the same purpose.

I got a box of old records and didn't want to use my Prime.

The Dual was $60.

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