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New to TT's some advice questions

Hi all,

I have not owned a TT since the 80's. All I remember is that is was a Pioneer.

I am looking to add a table to my to be combined HT/Stereo rig.

In the the $2k to $3k range without cartridge are there some initial suggestions you can make? How complicated is it to set-up and maintain a TT? I don't think I am a stupid guy but ease of use would be nice I suppose. Just kicking things off and I would like some info before I go to the dealer. They have a used Scout Master (18 months) I believe he stated and I believe it has a Benz Cartridge but I cannot remember the one from the initial phone chat.

I am actually going to audition a pre/amp, Simaudio P-7 and I would really like to get into vinyl so I want to purchase at the same time. Currently I just have a Rega Saturn CDP.

It will be safe to say that Simaudio will most likely be the pre/amp in some flavor. I have a Simaudio Titan multi-channel amp and perhaps I will add a stereo amp someday but that is what I have for now. Speakers are Dynaudio Confidence C1 and REL B1 sub.

If you could give some suggestions I would appreciate it. Other forum sites have also suggested ClearAudio.

Anyone with thoughts on Simaudio phono pre-amp?

Thanks so much...
dynguy
sibelius
256 posts
 
For vinyl newbies, I generally recommend buying thru a trusted local dealer who can help you out with all the set up issues (Cartridge matching,VTA,VTF etc..).

VPI,Clear Audio,Rega,Nottingham,and Well Tempered are some Mfg's that come to mind that have good (new) product in your price range.

While you would undoubtedly get more for your money buying used, I generally advice against that for newbies. Once you have some experience, no problem.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Boy, there are a lot of good turntables at that price range. For a sampler, go here. Offerings from JA Michell, Thorens, Rega, Roksan, Sota, Origin Live, Clearaudio, Rega P7, Pro-Ject, Music Hall ...

Over at MusicDirect we have the Avid Diva II, VPI Classic I plus various versions of the Scout and Scoutmaster that fit your budget.

The two that have me most intrigued at this price point are the Well-Tempered Amadeus at $2895 list and the Townshend Rock 7 with damper trough at about $3K. Both are available in the US, but I don't know where offhand.
oregon
831 posts
 
First, let me say I have sold and sell Lenco turntables.
The Lenco is a killer at your price point. For about $2k you can have a refurbished, replinthed piece of art that will certainly meet your needs. Easy to use, hassle free and a very easy synergistic match for almost any phono stage.
Easy match because with most plinthed Lencos, you choose which arm and cart you can afford and what will be a good match. Many Lenco owners find the inexpensive Rega 300 to be an excellent arm and a Denon 103 cart to be a wonderful combination.
Later, if you decide to move up to a better arm/cart combo, the sky is the limit since most Lencos come with 2 armboards which are simple to change/replace.
Lenco idler wheel drive allows for stable, steady speed which translates to deep, defined and tuned bass. Overall tonal balance is superb and constant. Unlike belt drive which tends to stretch and slip, the vintage Lenco continues to amaze after 30+ years.
I've had folks sell their Well Tempered, VPI, Rega, Music Hall and Nottingham tables within weeks of hearing how a Lenco can bring vinyl to life.
Go to Lencoheaven.com and continue to research.
Good luck and happy hunting!
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 

01-13-11: Oregon
First, let me say I have sold and sell Lenco turntables.
The Lenco is a killer at your price point....

Go to Lencoheaven.com and continue to research.
Go to http://www.lencoheaven.com and you'll be disappointed to find a digital transcription service.

Go to http://homepage.ntlworld.com/maddogmcq/myart/lencoheaven/index.htm and I think you'll find what Oregon intended.
oregon
831 posts
 
Johhnyb53,
Thanks for the correction.
But, the one I REALLY meant is: lencoheaven.net
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