2. analog
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What turntable, $500 or less

Okay, so I'm thinking that I'd like to get back to vinyl. I say "back" because I used to "dj" (beat match and mix records). Anyways, I used, and liked, technics sl 1200 with ortofon cartrideges. How do these rate in the audiphile arena? What are your recommendations for a complete setup (catridge, turntable, tone arm, phono stage (never even knew about phono stages unril recently, and I still don't know much about them)? Thanks for your help!!
128x128b_limo
photodusty
100 posts
 
There certainly are other options out there. But after my long search I landed at the 1.3.

I have the Cambridge 640p which sounds fine, but just came into a fantastic and rare Soundcraftsmen pre-amp that is incredible.

You certainly wont go wrong with the Cambridge or the Pro-Ject.

This is where this hobby can shake your brain and your cash :-) {and we are in the "budget" audiophile market :-)

Good Luck and listen to as many systems as you can.

db
b_limo's avatar
b_limo OP
2,277 posts
 
Is the 1.3 s better turntable though? The carbon at $399 + $130 for the different platter brings the total to $530, which is $30 more than the 1.3. I like the looks of the carbon more and I like the idea of being able to upgrade as funds become available. I think I will want to use that denon catridge. I've heard good things about it. Also, which pro ject phono stage? The tube one or not? I like the idea of having a warmer sound, would the tubes be the way to go? Thanks again for everyones help on this. I feel totally lost about the whole turntable thing.
bondmanp
1,820 posts
 
Ortofon offers a good upgrade path for its MM cartridges. I started with an affordable OM 10 Super, and later replaced the stylus with the OM 30 Super. A very big jump in sound quality was the result. IIRC, the 2M series offers similar upgrade paths. Start with the $100 2M Red, and I think you can upgrade styli up to the Black. IOW, the cartidge bodies on these models are the same, only the styli are different.
sbrownnw
704 posts
 
B_limo, I sent you an email about my system that I am selling.
photodusty
100 posts
 
On the Carbon you cant adjust the VTA. You can on the 1.3.

This would come in handy if you decided to flirt with different cartridges. When I put the Denon on it was almost the same size as the Sumiko Pearl that came with the 1.3 so I left the VTA alone. But its there if I need it :-)

I use tubes for listening. Once you get the right system tubes are the only way to go. {In my opinion}

For background listening I have a solid state Music Hall. Works great. But my Jolida really brings the music alive.

Good Luck!!

db
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