What's a good beginner turntable at $2500+- range?

OK, so since your Ayre preamp has a phono stage, I assume that the $3500-$4500 represents the table, cartridge, and record cleaning machine.

First question: What kind of music do you expect to be listening to on LP? Classical, jazz, pop, metal, etc?

Second question: What are the gain options on your preamp? That will help determine which cartridges will work well without a step-up transformer.

To some extent, the choice in the turntable can affect the choice in the cartridge, as different tonearms mate differently with cartridges. Check out some of the threads here on Audiogon about cartrdige/tonearm matching and resonance frequencies. I believe the KAB website has a calculator for it, too.

Do you have local dealers with some of these turntables? All of the ones you've listed are strong options. If you can visually see the turntable, listen to them, see what cartridges they've mated with it, and see how easy (or difficult) setting it up is, then you'll have a lot more information to go on. Also, search Audiogon's virtual systems to see who has a turntable that you might be interested in, and see which cartridge they put with it.

And don't forget the record cleaning machine. VPI and Nitty Gritty both make some. Expect to spend somewhere between $200 and $500 for it.

I know, you wanted options and I raised more questions. But I just feel that if you're planning on spending this much money, that you should be satisfied with the results.

Good luck.

Michael

Sufentanil-

My record collection is mostly comprised of Pop and Jazz.

Ayre manual says gain is set at the factory to 50dB. It's also adjustable from 40dB to 60dB. Guidelines are 1.0 mV= 60dB, 1.0-3.0mV=50dB and >3mV=40dB. The directions to switch it follows and I think I'd prefer to find something that will mate with the factory setting of 50dB.

I've looked around a bit and I don't know of any dealers off hand that deal in analog in Denver. While I am sure I can find some I hate to waste their time when I'm just going to buy used anyway. My temptation is to make an educated purchase and try it. When I bought my Wadia CD player I bought 3 players used and auditioned them all, and then sold the ones I did not want. I could do that again.

I think I should figure out the most likely couple of options and cartridges and start trying them.

I was planning on a record cleaning machine, probably a VPI and I was not considering that in the given price range.

Again your help is appreciated.

Mike

www.audiounlimiteddenver.com is a very good dealer that certainly does analogue. Sometimes dealers sell used demos or trade ins at prices comparable to buying used elsewhere. In any case a good dealer will appreciate your position as long as you appreciate theirs which you seem to. Good luck and enjoy!

Denver?!?!? Give Thom a call at Galibier Design or Chris at Teres Audio and see what they could do for you within your budget. You may even be able to have them set it up for you (as, for a first table, this is the most important aspect). They are both in your neighborhood.

Definitely contact John Barnes at Audio Unlimited in Denver. He is a very good source of knowledge on analog gear. I've dealt with him numerous times in the past.

You also owe it to yourself to visit with Thom and Chris as Nrenter suggests. You're quite fortunate to live in Denver and have these great analog resources at your disposal. When you get a table and are ready to spin make sure to visit For the Records in Boulder (Doug Gaddy also does the Ballpark Flea Market at Coors Field) and Twist & Shout on Colfax. I miss living in Denver.