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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
saki70
907 posts
 
Second Mechans suggestion . I got the newer MF 5.1 with their 2.2 phono stage , MF's cartridge (made by Ortofon) plus cables and 3 used albums from my dealer for $1,100 out the door . Very listenable .
If you were to omit the phono stage it would be less than 1k . Then just add whatever used piece that strikes your fancy and budget .
Buying a used TT can be a crapshoot if it has to be shipped . I believe that there is a thread here on that subject not too long ago .

Just start with something and see what you like and don't like , then adjust . Procrastination really doesn't sound all the great !

Good luck .
jperry
2,450 posts
 
I agree with Rhljazz, purchase the Basis 2001 with modified RB250 currently listed for $1,600

Then buy these two items below and you should be at about $2,000 including shipping.

Yaqin Audio MS-22b Mullard tubes RIAA phono stage $150
Sumiko Blue Point Special mc less than 200hrs $150

I think starting with a Basis TT, which is a bargain in the used market, is much better than buying an entry level TT.

If you get upgrade fever, you can get a Basis Vector tonearm, add a MC transformer in front of the Yaquin and buy a MC cartridge. All of which will make a big difference. If you deceide to upgrade later I would upgrade the arm first.

No relation to any of the sellers.
dkidknow OP
60 posts
 
OK, so some time has gone by and I'm ready to buy a vinyl rig. Cash reserves have replenished, so we now have about $3K to spend on the whole setup, including cartridge and phono preamp.

My dealer has suggested:

Rega RP-6
Dynavector 20X2 Cartridge
Dynavector P-75 (current version)

A big advantages is that the shop will set up everything for me so it's pretty darn plug and play. I have never set up a turntable and don't want to get very involved with it.

Thoughts/alternatives?
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,702 posts
 
Kind of a no- brainer. Since you don't want to get involved with it go with your dealer. What other options do you have?
dkidknow OP
60 posts
 
Someone could suggest either a completely idiot-proof used turntable or reasonable set-up service in/around New York City that would address my set-up concerns and yield the lower price of a used table, or offer an opinion of another new analog rig in my budget that would be better.

I'm also very open to used phono stages that cost about the same as the Dynavector-- $850 or so.
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