Turntable setup under $2000?

I believe that your YBA has a phono stage, and a pretty good one at that, but you should confirm that before figuring your final pricing and also determine if it's a MM or MC phono stage, as that will affect your cartridge choice.

Goldprintaudio's advice is sound, I would agree with it whole-heartedly, especially about set-up and use since you claim to be a vinyl newbie. I can say that of the tables mentioned, I have heard the Traveller with an inexpensive Grado MM cartridge which would be well within your budget, and it sounded quite good, particularly with the rock albums that were played on it while I was there. Have not heard the other contenders, but I know they're well-regarded and my past experience with Well Tempered Labs products (my first table was the Well Tempered Turntable, back in 1986) was very positive.

Obviously you will get the most bang for your buck if you buy used and remain patient. A great deal may not be here this week, or even next. Look through the used market even if not buying, just to get a feel of the market. Less than a year ago I picked up a VPI Scout with upgraded Scoutmaster platter and Nordost wired JMW 9 arm for about $1150, added a Sumiko Blackbird cartridge for $450 and have a damn nice rig for $1600.

As a newbie, you may be better off looking for a Rega or MMF table/arm combo. There is less tweaking involved. You might want to look for a nice P5. Personally, if it were me, and I was looking now, I'd grab that Rega P9 that's selling for $1350.

If new to TT and there setup then I would clearly go with a VPI traveler table. A table that looks great and seems easy to setup and maintain. A table that most likely will keep its value with a company that has excellent customer support. A no brainer for you at this point. The best and enjoy the spin.

I do not believe his Exposure amp has a phono section unless he did get the optional phono card. If not, yes he will need to get a phono preamp and can consider getting the Exposure option through his delaer. Its about $500.

WRT the table, I second Mechans recommendeation for the VPI Traveler. I have auditioned this table and its sound and build quality are outstanding for the money, $1300 new. Add a good cartridge at around $400 and now your at $1700. That leaves $300 for a preamp and that should be plenty for a good solid state model to match well up with the Traveler.

I would recommend a Musical Fidelity V-LPS MkII at $180 or the Pro-ject Phono Box S at $200. You are under your total $2000 budget. See, no worries on your way to enjoying the warm, lush sound of vinyl.

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