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Help for my return to vinyl -- $2K rig.

I'm thinking of buying my first TT, cartridge and phono preamp. I grew up listening to records and have perhaps 100 saved up from my youth.

As part of a move, I decided to upgrade my system, and my dealer is a devout vinyl guy-- I listened to a bunch of vinyl while auditioning amplifiers and really loved the sound. The setup I listened to most was a Rega RP-6 through either a bellari or rega phono stage (I'll just try to forget what I heard through the Shindo/Garrard rig in the big room). I believe that rig gets close to $3K including a cartridge, which is just a bit higher than I want to go at this point. I'm thinking $1,500-$2,000 for a new TT/Cartridge and used phono stage. I don't generally like to buy used components with lots of moving parts, but electronics are generally fine.

System:

Line Magnetic 518IA (22 Watt Integrated 845 SET)
Merlin TSM-MME
Cary 306/200

Here's the thing-- my budget will be high enough next year to get the Rega Rig mentioned above, maybe even something nicer, so if I'm going to be disappointed by the offerings in my current price range, maybe I should just wait a year rather than buying some typical entry-level rig and losing the money the minute I drive them off the lot and realize I want more. OTOH, I'd like to enjoy some vinyl now. I'll appreciate suggestions.

D
dkidknow
dkidknow OP
60 posts
 
Thanks for your thoughts. The Line Magnetic and Merlins do make for a pretty resolving pair that won't suffer a subpar front end very well. I'm thinking forbearance might be the better part of valor here. May have to wait till next year.

OTOH, I don't think my mom would mind me borrowing her 1980s era B&O TT. I could always use my budget to buy a quality used phono preamp right now and wait until next year to buy a TT that would really make my heart flutter. Makes sense or do i stop squirming and just put the analog rig on hold?
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,865 posts
 
Put down the $2k on the Garrard rig and the rest either on the credit card or work something out with the dealer.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
The big problem with the B&O table will be the cartridge. It may be need to be replaced, if it has never been changed, which may be the case.
I agree with the VPI Scout table as a very worthy start if paired with a good cartridge. There are usually very good 'previously owned" phono stages for sale. I think you will be very happy with a Scout, but then you'll want a record cleaning machine before too long LOL. - there are several manual cleaning rigs that work just fine.
I don't think debt is the way to go but that is a personal decision.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,865 posts
 
Second thoughts: buy a used 401, a 12" Jelco arm and an Ortofon Bronze and order a plinth from the guy on eBay. Figure 800 for the deck, 700 for the arm and cable, 400 for plinth and 500 (or starter AT95 for 100) for cartridge. A bit of reading on servicing and help here will get you a top dog setup.
dkidknow OP
60 posts
 
Thought i made it clear I need the total cost of turntable + cartridge + phono stage to be under $2K. These suggestions are all close to or over $2k without the phono stage, and some of them will still need a cartridge after that. The Shindo version of the 301 is $25K alone.

I guess I'll be waiting a year to buy my vinyl rig after all.
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