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young and new to analog.

i'm 22, and am just now getting into analog sound, and was wondering if anyone in the baltimore/dc area could recommend a shop that i could find decent turntables. and suggestions as to what turntable to start with. with my current income situation, i'm looking to spend in the area of 300-500 bucks (if i get the job i just applied for, probably more) and i was looking at (based on reviews) that a pro-ject debut III with the speed box mkII would be a good way to get into the game. any other suggestions welcome.

also, as far as recievers, phono stage, and speakers go, i'm looking at those in the same price range, and have yet to decide. any help would be appreciated!

-chuck
128x128chuckelator
kublakhan
717 posts
 
Read this site: http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/index.htm

Kevin at Kab audio makes a great case for why the stock Technics SL-1200 direct drive turntable beats out the so-called 'audiophile' tables costing much more. You can get a new or used one w/in your price range and it's super easy to set up. If you want to upgrade slowly, Kevin at Kab can do it for you in steps. He also has recommendations on phono stages that will suit your budget.

i bought the limited edition gold version of the 1200 and had Kevin do the full mods. the work was excellent. i haven't compared it to anything because i moved out of the country before i had the chance but for the money you're talking about i can't imagine anything that could be better.
chuckelator's avatar
chuckelator OP
50 posts
 
thats something i didnt even consider, wow, after reading up on this it seems that may be an excellent way to go for me
solman989
44 posts
 
I found myself in your exact position not too long ago. What is the rest of your system like? I would recommend that you buy used so that you can try out a table without losing too much if you decide you want to sell at a later date.

I initially bought an older VPI jr in your price range and played around with it for a few months before I decided it wasnt for me. I then tried out a Michell Tecnodec and came to the same conclusion (plus couldnt justify the price). Finally I ended up with the Technics SL-1210 and I do not think it was a downgrade at all.

I'm not saying that you should rush out and get a Technics, but dont discount it either. See if you can sample at least a couple tables in your price range before you come to a conclusion.

Some places you can visit in the DC area are United Home Audio (they carry pro-ject and clearaudio), Gifted Listener (Rega tables), and Deja Vu (a lot of exotic analog stuff).
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