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Turntable on a $5k budget?

I'd like to give vinyl a try. I thought about starting with an inexpensive table but I think I may as well just buy once and be happy for a long time instead of upgrading later. I don't see why it wouldn't work out for me, I am willing to learn the proper setup just need a little guidance towards a good quality table and tonearm. I prefer a smooth, fatigue free sound over hyper resolution and detail.

I've listened to an SME 20/2 table with IV.Vi tonearm and I thought that was perfect for my taste but it is out of my budget. Should I be looking at suspended tables for that type of sound or is that not the deciding factor of how the table will sound overall?

The $5k is not the ceiling, I can extend my budget another $1500 for a tonearm on top of the table if the table is really that good.

I've read some reviews of the suspended tables such as Oracle, Sota and a few of non suspended such as Nottingham, Michell, Basis. Will any of the mentioned tables get me close to what I am looking for?

I am planning on using the phono stage of my McIntosh C500 preamp, it has both MM/MC phono stage. The rest of the system is McIntosh 501 monoblocks and Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento speakers.

Thanks in advance.
flyski
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isanchez
276 posts
 

Hello Flyski,

For less than 5K you can get a high-mass Acoustic Signature turntable with a Rega RB300 tonearm.

On the suspended designs, JA Michell Gyro SE Turntable would be a good place to start. It can be upgraded to full Orbe.

If you're thinking on sticking with the table for the long run, look into TW-Acoustic Raven One or Acoustic Signature Mambo, both with a Rega RB300 for now and then upgrade to a better tonearm later.

Best,

iSanchez
clio09
3,360 posts
 
If you are intent on jumping right into the vinyl foray and have the budget to support it then go for the Galibier Serac package that includes the Artisan tonearm, Discovery tonearm cable, and either Dynavector 20X or 17D3 cartridge. For about $4500 you'll have an excellent table designed by someone devoted to analog and who provides excellent support. Then if you feel you want to upgrade you can take advantage of the Galibier trade in program or upgrade your Serac.

The ancillary accessories like a record cleaning machine, fluids, scale, protractor, etc. should run you about another $800 or so. You can then start pouring money into LPs.

While I'd go with a non-suspended table, SOTA makes excellent suspended tables that offer great value. You should be able to get one of the vacuum platter models with an SME or Graham tonearm and your choice of cartridge within your budget.
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rauliruegas
13,104 posts
 
Dear Flysky: IMHO all these alternatives are very good with almost no risk and very good price:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1236996239&/Vpi---TNT-5--Hot-Rod

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1236991083&/Basis-2500-Signature

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1235947937&/Clearaudio-Annv.-Amg-Wood-cmb

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1235052081&/Goldmund-Studio-Latest

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1234325020&/Platine-Verdier

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1234208622&/Avid-Volvere

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1234210962&/Cosmos-Sota-series-4-latest

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I have been using turntables for 46 years and have been a dealer for more of them than I can readily remember. I don't have the faintest idea on how to advise you. Not because I don't know anything about them but because the others are right, there are no simple answers. The sound is important but the way it functions and looks are important too. We have a much more personal interaction with a table than we do with a CD player or amp. I would try to examine as many good ones as you could and see how they FEEL to you. They are more akin to a musical instrument than anything else except a speaker. There is a lot to be said for your original idea of starting with a cheaper table. There are many good ones available on Audiogon that you could buy , use for a while and then sell at little or no loss. This would give you time to sort out what you are really looking for in turntable performance.
thomasheisig
568 posts
 
Raul has some good choices. It is always a personal choice but from those the Basis 2500 is top, the manufacturer is really good or on the other side, when a "Vintage touch" is preferred, the Verdier. With that one you have the option to go for all Arms (12"). Both are hard to beat from sonic results, but this is my opinion :)
It is the better way to go for a top class TT, an Arm upgrade later is no big problem...
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