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Recommendation needed for Turntable

I'm not sure that I'm a real audiophile and am on a budget of about $1000, and would like to keep it there, for a new/used turntable. My Rega P2, bought in 1996, broke in a move last year. I'm ready to replace it.

I have about 300 CDS and about 500 lp records. I listen to the following music:

Jazz: 20%
Pop/Rock: 50%;
Folk/Acoustic Blues: 20%; and
Classical: 10%.

My system is as follows:

Integrated amp: Creek 5350se, with se MM phono board; Loudspeakers: Totem Arros; and
CD player: Rotel RCD-1072.

I would greatly appreciate some recommendations for a turntable. I honestly was probably ready for a slight upgrade on my Rega P2 when it broke. I have no preference for new or used, as long as it is well built.

I haven't auditioned any equipment in so long and I don't keep up on what's new anymore, so I kind of feel lost. I thought about picking up a 70s Thorens TT and starting there. Then I thought about buying a P3. Now I'm truly lost! Please help. Thanks much to community. I appreciate your time and sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Jamey
128x128jbhiller
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,437 posts
 
Thanks, Michael.

I emailed Kevin and he has been helpful. I'm thinking of a table, arm rewire and cartridge at around $1000. Nice thing is, it should last forever.

My Rega was great but a touch ginerly in its make and sound. I am, however, nervous about how good the tonearm will sound--or make the whole unit sound. I may bite the bullet and go with a KAB.

I will say, the attack of a Technics is nice and aggressive and--quite frankly--I haven't heard one that was shrill or anything and those I've listened to have had inexpensive cartridges.

Thanks again.
sufentanil's avatar
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sufentanil
782 posts
 
Jbhiller, did you decide which table you're going to go for? I think that the turntable/arm/cartridge mating is just as important as the speaker/amp mating, so some turntables I believe perform better than others with certain cartridges.

Michael
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,437 posts
 
I'm going with a used Roksan Radius V. I think the KAB is a great idea but I'm concerned it's not going to be musical enough and the cost of the two is equal assuming I do upgrades to the KAB and buy the Radius used.
louisl
183 posts
 
After being away from analog for 10 years, I recently purchased a used Music Hall MMF-7, and couldn't be more happy. Big, full bodied, rich sound. Wide, open soundstage. Comes with VTA adjustable arm (although it is a pain to adjust, due to the location of the hex nuts that lock the arm pillar in to place), and Goldring H/O MC cartridge. Great deal, and great sound (I purshcased mine here on A'gon). It really is a great table, that I am enjoying the heck out of.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I replaced the cart in my MM7 with a Lyra Argo i and running through an EAR 834p I am very happy with the results. Great rig.
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