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Advice - What turntable should I buy ???

Finally looking to buy a turntable to complete my system and to allow me to resurrect some old vinyl and to selectively buy some new vinyl as needed. I am not an avid audiophile but know just about enough to be dangerous and am interested to receive feedback from experienced folks who can assist me narrowing my search. I am confused on what I actually need as I read references to turntable , cartridges, tone arm, power supplies etc..
I have total budget $1000-1500max for a used low hrs unit that is complete and ready to connect to my system. I sometimes see these threads used as an avenue to ding various makes and systems etc.. but please don't respond with negativity as I know what sound I enjoy and am keen to hear only positive advice on turntables to supplement my system which I know is not everybodies taste (I listed items only to indicate my type of preference). Majority listening will still reside with my CD and music dvd/blu-rays.
Oppo 105D universal player; Conrad Johnson MET-1 5.1 tube pre-amp (Teflon caps); C-J MET-150 5-channel hybrid tube amp, Cardas Hexlink/Quadlink RCA interconnects; Dali Helicon 400 fronts/300 rears/200 center. Many tks in advance of positive advice
mdempster
mdemaio's avatar
mdemaio
62 posts
 
For your needs, I'd keep it simple...a pre-packaged combo like a Clearaudio Concept w/MM, Music Hall MMF 5.1 w/MM, VPI Nomad (or Traveler if you can stretch ), Rega P3 with cart, etc. Lots of great choices at this price point.

What may be more important is to find a dealer you trust and who will support you through the process...TTVJ and Needledoctor have both been around a long time, for example, and can probably make some pretty good recommendations if you give them some background re: your needs. They're also offer 30-day return policies on most gear, which to me is critical in your case.

Enjoy!
mdempster OP
9 posts
 
Many thanks to all the great responses - This definitely helps guide me towards several options that I can begin to research at my leisure. These appear to be pretty smart options and I am certainly interested in keeping the exponential decaying curve of performance versus cost in the realms of sensible reality (not a cheap skate but appreciate a value for cost solution) - my better half begs to differ !!!! - thanks to all.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I second and heartily endorse the inexpensive VPI. I own an original MMF-5 and it is truly easily set up, done for you at the factory, and the sound is very very nice, but it isn't nearly as precise or throw a stage like the VPIs.
cdk84's avatar
cdk84
70 posts
 
Mdempster,

Good luck in your search: the amount of time you invest will eventually repay you well, even if it takes some time. The more you learn now, the better your search is likely to reward you.

Where do you live?

I ask because if you are anywhere near me, you would be welcome to hear my Technics SP10.
dayglow
1,907 posts
 
It's not that difficult! A used Rega P7 for <$1500 is a no-brainer!
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