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Entry Level Turntable?

Hello,

I'm fairly new to the audio world, been experimenting a bunch with different speakers, amps and pre-amps. I'd like to try some true analog sound by getting a decent turntable and some records. Could anyone recommend a nice entry level turntable that will give adequate performance? I don't want to spend too much, let's say a budget in the $100-$300 price range.

Also, I'm 30 years old, so have never really heard a good analog system. Is this something I should really worth trying? Or do people mostly like the analog sound because that's what they grew up hearing?

Current setup:
Integra Research RDC-7 Pre-Amp/Processor
Parasound HCA-1205A 5 channel amp (center & rears)
Adcom GFA-565 Monoblocks for mains
Kef XQ5 main speakers
Kef XQ2C center channel

Thanks!
Chris
128x128cjwessing
vernneal's avatar
vernneal
438 posts
 
And for $300 you won't
$500 will buy you a decent Rega table and cartridge
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
(most)People that prefer analog like it because it sounds better. You might be able to get a used Music Hall, Rega, or Pro-ject with a cartridge for $300. Make sure your Integra has a phono input or you'll need to get a phono stage too.
nicodemix
90 posts
 
Rega P1 is a great entry level unit.
ikonetic
25 posts
 
I own a Rega P3 and love it.Good sounding, easy to maintain and set up and you should be able to find one for around 400 or so and they maintain their resale value. I grew up when all we had were albums and 8-tracks and used a Pioneer for years. The Rega's sound so much better.
heyitsmedusty's avatar
heyitsmedusty
227 posts
 
I think you should also take the "analog sounds better" advice with a grain of salt. It DOES sound better, but only in certain respects until you get up into the big bucks stuff.

The inherent smoothness of the analog sound will shine through even in a modest setup (see: mine), which is one of the "better" qualities, but there are things like crystalline low-level detail and perfect sibilants that you won't find until you spend much more (see: other people's setups).

For the money you're looking to spend, you could get a pretty decent used DAC that in my opinion would get you closer to the kinds of sounds you're looking for than you could get with the same money sunk into analog.

Let the browbeating begin.
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