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$500 total to get into vinyl, what would you buy?

I'm interested in putting together a budget/cheap analog rig to play a few records I have laying around but don't want to put much cash into the system, at the very much $500 for everything, maybe less, and would really appreciate suggestions for used gear at or under this price point. I've heard a Rega P2 and liked its sound, and would appreciate other suggestions, as well as advice towards other accesories needed. Thanks much and happy new year!
socrates
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
The Rega P3, MMF-5, Pro-Ject, and VPI Jr. can all be had, with a decent arm, for around $500 used. Any of these should meet your needs nicely.
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
Like Sdcampbell, I would agree with the MMF 5. In fact, I'm picking up one myself in about a week or so. It will be my first table. A good one to start with.
twl
3,251 posts
 
If you need to buy a phono section in addition to the analog rig, you'll need to consider at least $100 for that.
I think a Planar 2 with a lower cost Goldring cartridge and a Parasound or Sumiko phono stage, could be gotten for under $500 for all of it.

This would just barely be getting you into a decent quality rig, and would not really be representative of what vinyl can be, but would be a good start. The tonearm would be the best part of the rig, and could be modded to take you quite a ways up the scale, moved on to a higher table. Everything else could be considered expendable when you upgrade.
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