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
The Audio-Technica turntable makes things even easier because it has a built-in phono stage. You can just plug it right into today's line-stage-only receivers and integrated amps.

Of course you can get a better phono stage by buying separately, but the AT-PL120 can get you started without that additional complication.

I want to add one more thing: different people hear things differently. It's why some languages have five different versions of the letter "p" and English has only one, why only a very few languages have a "th" sound at all.

My point is this: some people will never be satisfied with LPs regardless of how much is spent, while others will hear a marked and preferred difference even with the humblest of turntable/cartridge setups. Digital excels at the boom and sizzle--the sharp transients, dynamic contrasts, and frequency extremes. LP playback gets expensive to achieve the very best of that, but even my $2 (garage sale) belt drive Yamaha turntable with included conical stylus P-mount cartridge gave me the magic of the music between the bits that you can't capture via redbook (or even 24/96) no matter how much you spend.

So this idea that you have to spend $2K and up to begin to sound better than CD is highly subjective; it comes down to what you hear and what you listen for. If you hear the "music between the bits" you'll hear it right away on any turntable, even if it sounds compressed with a limited frequency response.

After all, it's the iPod generation who have been bringing back vinyl. They want something meaningful and involving to listen to when they get home and take off their earbuds. Do you think most of these new pressings are being played on Rega P7s with an Exact cartridge? They're either being played on Dad's old direct drive, B.I.C., or a new $150-300 Denon or Yamaha belt drive with cast aluminum platter.
Just wanted to update--
Got myself the Audio Techinica PL120. It took me about a half hour to setup and I spent the rest of the evening listening to records. I can't even begin to express how happy I am with it. The warmth of the vocals and acoustic guitar is so remarkable! Even dad, the once nay-sayer, had kind words to say about the table.

The counter weight seems to be the most confusing piece. As mentioned, this is my first time using a turntable and this piece seems to be the most difficult to get a hang of.

Anyway, thanks for the help! Joining the ranks of vinyl enthusiasts,
knot
Just read this thread for the first time... Congratulations on having the perserverance to take the vinyl plunge in spite of all the stuff written in this thread.

But count me as one of those people who thinks a dirty record played on a crappy turntable still sounds better than CD. Your setup should be immensely enjoyable.

Cheers, and welcome aboard!

Tom
just read the thread too. Bully for you Knotgreen. Funny thing, everyone was very helpful and receptive to me and my tt quest which I ended up with a refurbed Dual CS-721 ($199.00) and I stuck a Ortofon "blue" 2M ($189.00) on it blowing thru a Bellari VP-130 ($207 plus I swapped chinese tube for a $27 Mullard) and I LOVE the sound. Granted I done this piece by piece but it was well worth it. My bonus was I kept my vinyl collection from back when I was in the Army but I buy a couple of records a week just like I did when I started into CD's. I think I have a pretty decent digital front end (C.E.C. CD3300R, vacuum tube DAC 68 w/ Ei Elites) and the Who's Quadrophenia on CD can't touch my vinyl sound. This ain't one of those 180 gram records or nothing, it's the same record that I bought in the early 80's. Like it was said earlier in this post, I'll upgrade something sooner or later but I done the same thing with my digital rig so whats the difference?!? 2 dac's and 4 cd players and 4 grand later I got the sound I wanted. It only took me $622.00 to get what I wanted out of vinyl. Oh forgot to add $50 for cleaning stuff. It's a hobby/obsession! Get in and gear up! And welcome to the world of vinyl!