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Help me find a Simple Hi End Turntable

I know somone out there knows of a SIMPLE hi-end turntable.
All I want to do is buy a TT (used,clean), take it out of the box, cable up, clean a record, and play it. No tweaking, no VTF, no aligning,no arm install, ZERO setup. Why? My eyes are lousy, and I just am a doofus at table/cartridge setup. Why possibly ruin it, and my records? Tried it. I stink. Really don't want to learn at this point. So I am looking for a really good, complete, ready to go table, that will require only a new cartridge/stylus every so often.
I currently own a Music Hall MMF-5. Not bad; I'd like to do better. Thanks for your time!
atomickid
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Metralla had the best advice IMO. Find a reputable dealer or audiophile nearby and pay them to help.

Every rig above my old Fischer-Price needs occasional tweaking and adjustment. That is the nature of trying to make music by dragging tiny rocks through tiny grooves, and there's no getting around it. If you are unable to do it yourself then you should try to find someone to help.

Where are you located? Members here or on VA might be near you and willing to help.
jphii
485 posts
 
I agree with Doug and Metralla. If you don't have someone near you, I'm sure one of the fine folks here on the 'Gon would help. If you are in Eastern North Carolina, I'd be glad to.

Joe
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Although Doug, Metrella and Joe's advice is sound, I will also mention that the folks at SOTA set up my arm and cart, balanced it, etc., for a very nominal fee. They will also provide a refurbished, used table if you want. Donna and Kirk operate the epitome of a Ma and Pa service-oriented company. Recommended.
dirtyragamuffin
213 posts
 
I agree, if you don't want to set it up, get the help of a dealer or friendly 'phile who KNOWS WHAT THEY'RE DOING (this goes for the dealer, too).

No TT rig is infallible and will need to be set up at some point, even if it's just a simple adjustment of tracking force and anti-skate.

Best of luck!
c123666
871 posts
 
If you do try to set it up yourself remember that the wires to the cartridge are extremely fragile and it is very easy to pull a wire out of the arm tube as well as to pull off a little metal clamp that attaches to the cartridge. The fact that many modern arms have affixed headshells only makes this more difficult.

Buying a new table from a dealer makes sense for an inexperienced person given the price of cartridges that are considered excellent.
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