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Turntable suggestions for novice...

I would like to add vinyl to my system but am currently on a limited budget. Also, I have not listened to vinyl in about 30 years. My current system is quite good: Cambridge Audio Azur 740C 24-bit upsampling CD player; Musical Fidelity A3cr dual mono pramp, Odyssey Audio Stratus Plus 150 wpc SS amp; all Audioquest interconnects with Midnight 3 hyperlitz bi-wire speaker wire; Von Schweikert VR-4 loudspeakers; RBH stand-alone sub amp with RBH passive sub. I'd like a good 9/10ths turntable (likely used) for under $500. Any sleepers or recommendations?
klipschking
ballywho
134 posts
 
A lot of folks mow through gear, so just because you see something frequently for sale doesn't mean anything.

A P3 would be just fine, but my suggestion would be to get a Technics SL-1210 MkII (and new, if you can find one). Rock solid, easy (and fun) to operate. I think they're all worth more than what you pay.

Good luck!
horseface's avatar
horseface
222 posts
 
I scored a Denon DP62L off of Craigslist for $350 - Mint shape the old guy had two of them and was cleaning house. I threw on a Grado Gold and I was in great shape for less than $550. I was getting the upgrade bug but I cant seem to find anything I like as well that I can afford. I ended up picking up a new cartridge and we will see what that does for me.

I think the P3 would be a great way to go as well ... I have been tempted to go down that road myself.
ponnie
233 posts
 
I would difinitely do a Rega P3 w RB300 but I would opt for the acrylic platter and a good moving coil cartridge. The Rega has great rhythym and pacing. The timing alone on this unit will make you pat your feet and play air guitar, etc. The acrylic platter gives you a darker background and tigher bass than the stock platter. Just the RB300 is worth every penny especially when you can have it rewired and up the performance a few extra notches. Good Luck Happy Listening!
thesoundhouse
250 posts
 
Don't do it! Its expensive I got back into vinyl about 6 years ago. I said I would not spend more than $1000.00. Now my turntable set up is an upper end Sota turntable with SME V arm, Zyx 4D cartridge, and Zyx Artisan phono amp which has stuck a serious dent in my savings. Just proceed with caution. I did also start wth a Rega P3 and their matching yellow cartridge I beleive it is called the Exact. The Rega is a great place to start. It has a great arm and it does sound good!
mickeyf
153 posts
 
+1 more on the Rega with the RB300. Buy it right and you cant go wrong in terms of resale when you ultimately acquire Thesoundhouse's disease. In all liklihood you will be happy with it as a quality start point and there's lots of little tweaks to improve it.
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