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Turntable/Arm/Cart for Classic Rock; $1500 budget

Hi All,

I've had an enjoyable digital system for the last few years (Naim CD5x, Aesthetix Calypso, Simaudio W3, Dynaudio 1.3se) but realized that I'm spending less and less time listening to the classic rock/folk that I really love - Neil Young, Dylan, Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane, Zeppelin, Hendrix, etc. It generally sounds a little thin and "less present" than I would like. Contemporary rock music sounds great - the latest Black Keys and My Morning Jacket albums have brought tears to my eyes they sound so good.

I think the answer is to get a nice analog setup and buy some LPs (I have none today). My old roommate plugged her very inexpensive Project table and phono stage into my system and I enjoyed listening to her mom's old copies of Blood on the Tracks and Zep IV immensely. It was nearly as good as the CDs on my Naim, and in some ways was better.

So...what do I buy? I need a table, arm, cartridge and want to spend less than $1500, used. Can I get something that will bring me enjoyment that exceeds what I'm getting from digital? I'd like something with a good sense of pace, generally neutral but with a bit of warmth.

I'm considering the following tables/arms (all available for <$1,000):
- Rega P3/RB300
- VPI Scout/JMW 9
- Basis 1400/RB300

Any comments on this list? Anything I should add?

As for cartridges, I plan to wait until I select a table/arm...but expect to look closely at the Dynavector 20xl, at $750.

Oh, and phono stages: I made an impulse Audiogon buy for a Simaudio LP5.3 phono stage (because I like Simaudio and feel like a phono is important), but if anyone thinks that's overkill or inappropriate please say so!

This forum has been really helpful to me in the past...so thanks everyone for all you've done so far and thanks in advance for any guidance here.

Regards,
Nirav
niravp
gslone
274 posts
 
The Basis 1400 would be my choice with the Benz ACE cart. If you can find a used 2000 series TT they are upgradable, but then, with your budget you may have to compromise on the cart a little, but you can always upgrade that in the future. I like Benz carts. My Ace works great with all music (and I listen to a lot of classic rock also) and isn't analytical -it's rather on the warm side with great mids...Maybe my CJ EV-1 phono pre has something to do with that.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
329 posts
 
I have a clearaudio emotion with Audio Technica AT150mlx, which I spent for about $1500.
I also have a Thorens TD145MKii and Grado Gold cartridge (at under $300) with Klipsch KLF-20, and it works very good with rocks.
niravp OP
55 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the thoughtful responses.

I think, based on comments, that my interest in the Basis is well-founded, and I'll keep an eye out for a 1400 on Audiogon. I like that it seems to be one of the better-built tables at this price (not sure of the sonic benefits, but aesthetic things like that matter at this price range!)

I also think I need to learn a bit more about cartridges. I've got the Dynavector 20xl, Benz Ace, Clearuadio Aurum and Ortofon Rondo to learn more about. I'm looking for something with both the quickness/agility and the warmth needed to nail the pace and emotion of Neil's guitar.

Given that I plan to buy the cartridge new, I may actually go into a dealer and give each a listen, though I'm not sure how well I'll be able to separate the cartridge's sonic signature from that of the rest of the system.
andrewscag
19 posts
 
I found a used Linn LP12 with arm, cart, and pro set up for about 1200 (CN) and was happy with it for a year. I've since upgraded it an am even happier. Take a listen to one first, though, to make sure you like it but I liked it better than a new Rega in a similar price range.

I like the 5.3 you have, too. I auditioned it the other day and was impressed. Also used Simaudio's I3 integrated for a few years and loved it.
rhljazz
1,117 posts
 
For classic rock I would be thinking along the lines of the Linn LP12, old Thorens TD160 or 124, maybe even the Technics SL1200 with with a moving magnet cartridge. You should be able to purchase for way under 1500.00 and have some money left for vinyl.
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