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Which of these turntables for a new kid in town?

I have inherited all of my grandfathers LPs and I need a way to play them. I've considered giving vinyl a try anyway and this is the perfect opportunity. I've searched the forums and the following turntables seem to come up as good options. I would appreciate your opinions...

Music Hall MMF-7
Audio Note TT1
VPI Aries Scout
Michell Technodec (or Gyro)

They are roughly in the same price range. I don't have experience with vinyl and set up, but I'm a quick learner and I'm willing to invest time. I'm doing this now to try out my grandfathers LPs, but I've had my eye on other LPs too from all genres. In this turntable I would like to understand what vinyl hs to offer.

I like the industrial design of all of these turntables, which I value as an important element. I like the simplicity of all of them. Some are more traditional while others are more modern in their styling.

I know that some of these require more set up than others, but may offer more value in the end. I don't want to spend a lot, but i don't want to feel the need to upgrade soon if i fall in love with it. I will initially be using the truntable in my headphone system, but it will probably end up in my main system someday. While you're at it you can throw in some phono amp recommendations if you like.

Thanks!
budrew
budrew OP
467 posts
 
Thanks for all of the input. This is an interesting endeavor for me. Turntables seem much more mechanical than other components and I'm looking forward to learning more about them. I have not decided on anything yet, but I'm leaning towards the VPI or Michell. I'll see what I can demo locally.

What about isolation? As crazy as it sounds, because of space reasons the TT will initially be on the floor. I want to put something under it to reduce vibrations.
wellfed's avatar
wellfed
690 posts
 
The Machina Dynamica Promethean Base is a GREAT isolation solution.
johnnantais
621 posts
 
Of course, if you go for the Michell, then isolation is less of a problem, as it's a suspended deck. Cheap alternatives include a patio stone or other large slab (thick ply-wood, large marble kitchen cutting boards, etc.) sitting on tennis balls cut in half, or on a half-inflated inner tube, or several half-inflated inner tubes from smaller tires.
dirtyragamuffin
213 posts
 
Why not get a wall shelf for it? Arguably the best place for a TT to sit, anyway...Otherwise, I'd get something massive to put under the 'table to help keep vibrations at bay. Make sure the TT is level!

I think you'd be happy with either Michell or VPI. When I was shopping, it came down to those two and I went Michell though it was a VERY tough choice--eventually, "vibe" won out! ;) I'm very happy, but I think if I'd gone VPI I'd still be very happy!
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