Clueless Analog Newbie, Looking to Buy


As stated in the subject, I'm new to turntables, and would like to buy my first turntable. I've got an old NAD integrated AMP and Triangle Titus speakers.

To be perfectly honest, I know absolutely nothing about turntables. Cartridges, weighing etc etc....

I guess I'm looking to buy something used or a cheap new turntable. Thinking of the pro-ject debut 3, or maybe the rega p1. Though I'm slightly hesitant to spend $3-400 on a table I know nothing about. Will the Pro-Ject need some sort of adapter to play 45s?

Any suggestions? Or should I just stick with CDs?
knotgreen
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"Or should I just stick with CDs?"

I agree with Tvad in the objective sense that inexpensive TTs do not sound as
good as inexpensive CDPs. To do better costs a lot of effort and money.
There is a bigger, more personal picture, though. There are a lot of people
(and I know them) who are interested in sound quality but are not
audiophiles. They perfectly enjoy their turntable rigs as do I when I visit them.
I was at a party recently where to my audiophile-dork dismay the record
player was playing on top of the a large PA in the back yard. Sounded fine - I
enjoyed the music.

One can, as people do, enjoy "inexpensive" turntables, often for
indie music playback which wasn't recorded at Carnigie anyways. The
playback will definitely give you a different mix/sound than CDP. You just
have to be clear on what your goals are and audition a table in your price
range to get a sense the sound quality. Also with what you are looking at,
depending on the specific model, you will not need much in the way of
accessories.
Viridian may be old but at least He is old & wise.
stick to CD's sonny. & remember, No stag films!
This whole thread feels like Deja Vu....

I know for a fact Viridian has used the Mike Fremer/Porn Star analogy elsewhere...

Anyhow, Knotgreen -- what are your thoughts now? Aside from gaining the right to compete in these ridiculous battles on Audiogon if you do get into vinyl, are you still thinking about getting into it? I actually saw a used MMF-5 sell for about $200 here on Audiogon not too long ago...

And about the expensive LPs, if you don't mind building your collection to include mostly used classical, jazz, and classic rock LPs, you can find them fairly cheap.
04-28-09: Jwglista
And about the expensive LPs, if you don't mind building your collection to include mostly used classical, jazz, and classic rock LPs, you can find them fairly cheap.
Today I brought home a 2-LP album of the Oscar Peterson Trio (1976) on Pablo in excellent condition for $6.