Where to start? New to Analog

This BSR is really socks. The Dual should be much cheaper. Listen to the Thorens hobbyists. They know about TT's.

Or look for a nice Dual 505 MkII. Or a Technics 1700 or 1200 or a Technics tangential like SL- J1 This is a later product.

The BSR is a bit of a dog- no offense intended. You can get a good used Technics 1200 and cartridge for around $150 to $200, but be sure a DJ didn't get his hands on it first. Some of the Thorens are great, but be careful of which model as some of them have arms that are lacking.

Regards
Jim

Agree on the BSR. It was worth asking, time to move on.

Thanks for the advice all - Jimbo3 I'm not offended just glad that I know now :) I'll keep looking around town thanks :)

Vaystrem:

There have always been tons of decent vintage TT's on Ebay offered by Candian sellers. I assume that many of these were acquired (for resale) from the local thrifts.

If you are not in a hurry try cruising the local thrifts in the event that you get lucky.

As far as phono preamps go there is a vintage (70's) Radio Shack/Realistic MM preamp (42-2101) that is worth seeking out (they typically sell for $5-$20 on Ebay). Problem is finding one in decent operating condition (good caps w/o hum). When in good shape it easily matches the sound quality of current/popular $100-$150 phono preamps when paired with a high output MM cartridge.

There was also a 42-2101a version, but I am not familar with it (it may or may not be the same).

A local phile said that the unit's all discrete design reminded him of Jon Curl's early work (Curl is a well known circuit designer).

Anyway, this is the route I would take if on a meager budget (a little patience/diligence can sometimes offer the best bang for the buck).