Following Caterham's, IMO excellent, advice I could add Pro-ject: good construction for price level, errs slightly towards analytical vs. "musical". In this last respect, I find that many (most) modern TT designs favour "sound extracting ability" vs. prat, in the basic offerings. I don't remember the Micro Seiki (the sound, that is) Edle suggests.
If you con'nue the search, I suggest the following:
Choose 1-2 musically well-produced LP(s)--not necessairy music you love -- and stick to these throughout auditions. First listen on a dealer's huevo TT system---to get an idea of performance. Focus on musical rythm (does it make musical sense, or are you "reconstructing" the music in your mind from the "sounds" that are produced) and resolution ability ("do I hear the timbral differences in the cymbals..." etc). Pick out a FEW, memorable, points in the LPs (commit to memery, ofcourse).
You're looking for a TT, so focus exclusively on TT set-ups: not (yet) on electronics, phono stages or even cartridge. Stick to your price range; tell yourself that upgrading antes comes later -- EVERY markII is purportedly better than the markI.
Take quick notes during auditions.
Soon you'll have a short-list. At reasonable prices, this will probably contain a) analytical and b) "musical" TTs /to have both qualities in one TT is difficult in the price range. Review this list. Now, you're close. Check ease of set-up, matching with cartridges, etc., and *tweaking* possibilities: i.e., how easily & cheaply can you mechanically "improve" the sound of given TT back home. E.g., a musical TT + say, Neuance shelf= more analysis or, analytical TT + shelf= more musical? (Caterham above could enlighten on Neuance.)
Then check for a good, IMO budget, cartridge & the best phono you can reasonably invest in. Lots of info on both items at A'gon if the search function tickles your fancy.
If you've read this far, you could settle for a Nott and be done -- BUT, do listen before you buy: lots of good stuff out there!
Most of all, have fun during the search. Good luck!
If you con'nue the search, I suggest the following:
Choose 1-2 musically well-produced LP(s)--not necessairy music you love -- and stick to these throughout auditions. First listen on a dealer's huevo TT system---to get an idea of performance. Focus on musical rythm (does it make musical sense, or are you "reconstructing" the music in your mind from the "sounds" that are produced) and resolution ability ("do I hear the timbral differences in the cymbals..." etc). Pick out a FEW, memorable, points in the LPs (commit to memery, ofcourse).
You're looking for a TT, so focus exclusively on TT set-ups: not (yet) on electronics, phono stages or even cartridge. Stick to your price range; tell yourself that upgrading antes comes later -- EVERY markII is purportedly better than the markI.
Take quick notes during auditions.
Soon you'll have a short-list. At reasonable prices, this will probably contain a) analytical and b) "musical" TTs /to have both qualities in one TT is difficult in the price range. Review this list. Now, you're close. Check ease of set-up, matching with cartridges, etc., and *tweaking* possibilities: i.e., how easily & cheaply can you mechanically "improve" the sound of given TT back home. E.g., a musical TT + say, Neuance shelf= more analysis or, analytical TT + shelf= more musical? (Caterham above could enlighten on Neuance.)
Then check for a good, IMO budget, cartridge & the best phono you can reasonably invest in. Lots of info on both items at A'gon if the search function tickles your fancy.
If you've read this far, you could settle for a Nott and be done -- BUT, do listen before you buy: lots of good stuff out there!
Most of all, have fun during the search. Good luck!