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First "real" TT...

Hey all, I am looking at buying my first "real" TT, and I need some advice. I have a cheapo stanton str8-20 TT that I got at guitar center for $120 a couple years ago, just to play a few of my old man's records. I've recently found myself listening to it alot, and am starting to notice it's shortcomings. It has a Audio Technica "universal" $30 cart. So, as you can see, I have a pretty low-end setup. I'm looking for a new-to-me table and cartridge. Total budget: $500.
I've been looking at Pro-ject's Debut III, Rega Planar 1, various Thorens (used), technics 1200(used). I keep finding conflicting reviews of all these things, and honestly I don't know a damn thing about cartridges. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks, Nick
napalmblast
hifitime
715 posts
 
Besides a SOTA,if you look at Project,I've read here or somewhere else that it doesn't get along with a lot of cartridges.I've never owned one(Project)to give a personal opinion on it.
hifimaniac
508 posts
 
Buy the Rega P-1 with cartridge for sale right now on this site for $395. Great entry table from a well respected TT manufacturer.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Yep-Ebay bidding is an art. You gotta be a sniper. Bid your number with 1 sec left and no time for them to counter bid. My wife is the ebay queen!
napalmblast OP
6 posts
 
Cerrot- ask your wife if she'll win that thing for me for $301! :)

Hifimaniac- Is the P-1 comparable to a music hall 2.2? there's one on audiogoN for 250, w/o a cartridge. I'm thinking that would work well, leaving me 200 or so for a cart. That's where I'm really not sure what I want....cartridges.
hifimaniac
508 posts
 
Napalmblast, I can't say if the Rega or the Music Hall is better as I haven't seen or heard or read much on the Music Hall. I do know the 2.2 is the newer model. Rega's are always easy to resell, there is an after market upgrade to the platter and bearing and you might be able to negotiate with this seller. Best of luck. Be sure to buy a good protractor to check your stylus and also a VTF scale.
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