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Recommendations on Turntable for under $1k

Hi,
I have recently been entertaining getting a turntable when I upgrade my system. I plan to have the parasound jc2 pre-amp and either parasound a21 or jc1 monos (money constraints will decide). I would would be using either vandy quatros or 5’s. I have no problem with used equipment. What would I need to use the turntable and what would you recommend. The turntable would be mainly playing rock and some jazz as that is what I have on vinyl. Thanks and look forward to your inputs.

Joe in Mobile
magsterone
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Just to offer another opinion, I believe it is possible to double your value on the used market here on A'gon. Personally, I like to buy from members here who have excellent feedback and who also contribute in the forums. And there are some dealers who sell demos from time time. But what else do you need besides just a table? Do you mean a turn-key table? Arm and cart included? I think this is what you mean. However I would also ask what do you have for a phonostage or separate phono amp?
magsterone OP
64 posts
 
What I am asking is what complete turntable system would you recommend? I have not used a turntable in years and that was just the typical low budget deal. What would y’all recommend other than the system I mentioned? thanks again.

Joe in Mobile
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I have an Audio Note TT1, Arm 1 and IQ2 cartridge and really like it. It tracks well is vibrant and really open and detailed. If you could find the same thing used it would be about $1000.00.
hi_hifi
120 posts
 
You are talking about a turntable for some very good speakers and associated system, so here are three suggestions:

1. Linn Sondek LP-12 (preferrably with Valhalla and Cirkus mods/revisions) and Ittok LVII tone arm
2. Thorens TD-125 MkII with SME 3009 S2 tone arm
3. Technics SL-120 and SME 3009 S2

It would take some looking to find these in used but excellent condition but they could be found; all 3 could provide excellent turntable and tone arm performance and with some good shopping could be done for $1k or less (the Linn would be the toughest to meet your budget but might be doable).

If you need a cartridge to fit within this budget it would be tougher but it might still be doable. You should probably pick the cartridge first to make sure it will work with the tone arm or you could start with these tt/ta combinations and live with whatever cartridge fits in your budget for now. Many people will have opinions on cartridges, it is a topic for another thread - including MC or MM. MC will be easier on your budget but there are some strong MC cartridges out there.

PS, if you haven't tried any Bill Evans LPs, track down a copy of his albums, including Qunitessence - you will enjoy the jazz
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