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Goldring GR-1.2, NAD 533 -- any difference?

Hi. Newbie question. I am interested in getting into vinyl and am looking for an entry level turntable that's easy to set up. Two budget turntables that I have heard good things about are the NAD 533 and the Goldring GR-1.2. They are both, I understand Rega P2 clones. However, the NAD lists for $100 more than the Goldring. Is there a difference that justifies the higher price of the NAD?
(The records I have are mostly rock and classical. Some Jazz too. My amp is the Rotel 1062 integrated, which has a phono stage).
mbrooker
mbrooker OP
3 posts
 
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I think I am beginning to get a feel for the difference. Given that my budget's kind of tight, I believe I will poke around for a while and see if I can turn up a demo or refurbished NAD. If not, I guess I'll go with the Goldring.
stylinlp_38
44 posts
 
One problem with your plan Mbrooker. The old NAD turntables used the old style pre-2000 rega motor mounts. Thats a bad thing. Rega finnally admitted their poor design and upgraded the motor and mount in 2000. Warbled speed variations is one such problem they had. Also stability over time. I really don't know how they designed the Goldring after the fact a few years ago. I would assume they did it right. Or better than pre2000 issues.
mbrooker OP
3 posts
 
Hmmm. Thanks for the warning. Do you know if NAD updated that design in 2000 as well? Is there any way to tell which it has?
stylinlp_38
44 posts
 
As far as I understand NAD hasn't made their turntables in 7-10 years or so. You can only buy them used. Definately modeled off the old Rega build from pre-2000.
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