Help for a vinyl novice


Hello,

I've swam about in hi-end audio for over a decade now, but only in the digital world. I've had plenty of experience with tubes, ss, planars, drivers, etc. However, i'm making the plunge into the deeper waters of vinyl. Whenever I see a good, "entry-level" tt for sale, I immediately start researching it here and elsewhere online. And, of course, there are as many good reviews as there are detractors and I end up with cold feet.

Could someone point me to a solid tt under $1K, including arm and cartridge? I'm not averse to upgrading either at a later date and feel comfortable enough to undertake such an upgrade as needed, though not immediately.

I have a pair of Reference 3A de Capo i's being powered by an LSA Statement integrated with an MM phono input. My listening room is small - 10'W x 12'L x 7'H - and I have an 8" Velodyne sub lurking in the corner.

Maybe take a look at what's being offered now and advise? or advise what to look for in future listings?

Thank you much,

Simao
128x128simao
My current vinyl front end consists of a Rega P3/24 with a Dynavector 10x5 cartridge and a Musical surroundings Phonomena phono preamp. Also, I upgraded the table with a Groovetracer acrylic platter and Reference sub-platter. I have spent a total of: P3/24 used=$700 Dynavector new=$450 Musical Surroundings used=$325 Groovetracer upgrades=$450. I did these in steps over a couple years.I would have to spend $5000.00 to get better sound from here.
My brother uses a Rega P3 with the Rega Exact cartridge $600.00 and he uses the LSA Integrated amp as well. He loves It!! Big, Dynamic and taught with excellent imaging and sound stage,brilliant highs and beautiful mid range.
Check out SOTA Moonbeam,it is $750.You will have $250 left over to buy a nice Grado cartridge!
A dealer is selling a Music Hall MMF 5.1, 7-day old customer return with full warranty. Comes with everything you need. I had one and it's a very good tt to start out with. When you upgrade, you'll only lose a few hundred bucks. Not bad in this game.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-music-hall-mmf-5-1-great-deal-on-7-day-old-unit-2014-01-20-analog-19020
Consider a Technics SL1200 direct drive table. Web search on the various SL1200 modification services(KAB, Zu Audio, Applied Fidelity, others.) This gives you a solid platform for future upgrades to a very high level of performance, and lots of fun along the way.