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Turntable setup under $2000?

I'm interested in knowing peoples opinions on the best complete turntable setups (could be used) in the $1500-$2000 range (including deck,arm and cartridge).

I'm a total tt newbie, but would like to start off with a somewhat decent tt setup that would last a long time without feeling the need to upgrade.

I listen to mostly rock/pop type music, largely from the 60'/70's/80's, but also enjoi disco and female vocals as Adele.I would like a setup to suit such tastes.Want to have deeper bass, especially for early Beatles albums.
My current system: amp: YBA Integre DT, Loudspeakers Polk Audio LSI15, CD player Exposure 3010

Any advice would be much appreciated.
rockstream
grinnell
661 posts
 
Good used HW19 mk iii or iv
goldprintaudio's avatar
goldprintaudio
332 posts
 
You have quite a few great choices in that price range.

VPI Travler
Rega RP6
Clearaudio Concept
WTL Simplex

..and I am sure that there are several more from Project and Music Hall.

If you happen to have a local dealer that carries any of these options, I would take time to stop by and take a listen and see how you feel about setup and use.

VPI and Rega dealer disclaimer.
rcprince
2,830 posts
 
I believe that your YBA has a phono stage, and a pretty good one at that, but you should confirm that before figuring your final pricing and also determine if it's a MM or MC phono stage, as that will affect your cartridge choice.

Goldprintaudio's advice is sound, I would agree with it whole-heartedly, especially about set-up and use since you claim to be a vinyl newbie. I can say that of the tables mentioned, I have heard the Traveller with an inexpensive Grado MM cartridge which would be well within your budget, and it sounded quite good, particularly with the rock albums that were played on it while I was there. Have not heard the other contenders, but I know they're well-regarded and my past experience with Well Tempered Labs products (my first table was the Well Tempered Turntable, back in 1986) was very positive.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Obviously you will get the most bang for your buck if you buy used and remain patient. A great deal may not be here this week, or even next. Look through the used market even if not buying, just to get a feel of the market. Less than a year ago I picked up a VPI Scout with upgraded Scoutmaster platter and Nordost wired JMW 9 arm for about $1150, added a Sumiko Blackbird cartridge for $450 and have a damn nice rig for $1600.

As a newbie, you may be better off looking for a Rega or MMF table/arm combo. There is less tweaking involved. You might want to look for a nice P5. Personally, if it were me, and I was looking now, I'd grab that Rega P9 that's selling for $1350.
schipo
1,267 posts
 
If new to TT and there setup then I would clearly go with a VPI traveler table. A table that looks great and seems easy to setup and maintain. A table that most likely will keep its value with a company that has excellent customer support. A no brainer for you at this point. The best and enjoy the spin.
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