2. analog
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Entry level recommendations???

So, I've been in and out of analog audio for the past 2 years, and this is due to junk equipment and space constraints in my apartment. I've recently (as of a few days ago) replaced my 1970's Pioneer SX-434 with a Denon AVR 791 that I'm quite happy with. Now, like I said due to my space constraints (and lets be honest, my lack of funds), it is a home theater deal and my living room is my media center, with my computer, my cable, xbox and PS3 running through it, as well as my analog set up. Overall, I'm quite happy with the whole thing, and I feel it's a great "bang for buck" type situation. The only thing I'm unhappy with is the fact that since upgrading, the shortcomings of my TT are really shining through, and my MP3's sound better than my TT does (I'm sure my phono stage isn't helping much either...some 50 doller Audio Technica thing.)

My question is this: Could you guys make a few suggestions for some entry-level TT's and also a phono stage? I plan on using MM carts for the time being, and am looking to spend in the range of 300-400 for each, as that is around the same price I paid for both my receiver and my speakers (Epos ELS 3) So I'd like to keep them around the same quality level. Used, new...doesn't matter. I'd like the best bang for my buck, as I'm not liquid enough to be spending thousands on this sort of thing. Thanks!!!

Also, I know this is the analog forum, but since I'm already posting a message...Any ideas on a decent sound card for my PC would also be greatly appreciated!

-Chuck
128x128chuckelator
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
The Debut III is a very good deck for the money. I know several people who've owned them, and every one of them upgraded rather quickly. It's not because it's a bad deck, it's just that the tonearm doesn't really do well with a better cartridge. The Xperssion has a far better tonearm that'll handle a few steps up the ladder.

But it must be said that the Xpression's stock Sumiko Oyster cart is garbage. Plan on scrapping it almost immediately for something else. The dealer I bought my Dynavector cart literally thought it was broken when I brought the deck in. After putting the cart under a microscope, he said "this cartridge isn't shot, it just really sucks!" That wasn't a sales pitch, as he's earned my trust.

There are some excellent carts out there that won't cost an arm and a leg. Ortofon and Goldring come to mind. Grados do to, but they have hum issues with Pro-Ject's and a few others in my experience.

Sorry if that's getting side tracked. In a nutshell, if you're considering an Xperssion, budget an extra $100 - $150 for a suitable cart. But again, the Xpression easily justifies the extra cost over the Debut.

The Music Hall 2.2 is an interesting deck that's a bit cheaper and comes with a far better stock cartridge than the Xperssion. I know a few people who've been happy with the 2.2 for quite a while.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Chuckelator

You are lucky to have a dealer that has both the Pro-Ject Debut III and Jolida products so close. You can audition and possibly try them out in your set-up without having to buy and then re-sell if it doesn't sound good. I believe Jolida.com is in MD as well so they could potentially help you out as well.

Any idea as to what AT cart you have? The reason I ask is that I found that a TT I'm trying to fix up has an Audio Technica AT10 cart and I read that even if it is a budget cart one can change the stylus to make it sound very good.

It could be a potentially good way to save some $ and have decent sound while you are researching things for your vinyl set-up.
wolf_garcia
6,708 posts
 
I also own a Cambridge 640P...bought for about $179 new (fairly recently) as I wanted/needed that rumble filter (not readily available in most phono preamps). I did an experiment yesterday where I A/B/Cd it with some other sources...CD player and Wifi Apple Lossless through a Dacmagic and my Linn Basik/Akito/AT440MLA all adjusted for level playing Steely Dan's "Aja"...and damn if there wasn't striking similarity between all of 'em (the TT sort of won the battle, but it was cool they all were SO close)...that 640p is a steal at its price and is a really well made sonic charmer.
chuckelator's avatar
chuckelator OP
50 posts
 
I've been in their show room before...Absolutely incredible. Staff is incredibly knowledgeable, well, the one guy that was there. And showed me some absolutely incredible stuff, and I sat down with him and listened to some of the earlier Stones stuff on a Reel to Reel that they had set up, which, I've never heard sound quality quite like that, or the TT that he was using for that matter. I believe a Clear Audio Reference if I'm not mistaken. And also showed me some other amazing stuff that I'm pretty sure I'll never be able to afford. I believe Jolida and UHA are one in the same, and are ran out of the same offices.

He also was suggesting to me PROject decks to me when I was there, which is now the way I'm leaning, and I'm really happy I could go in there and pick one up when I have the cash to do so.
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