2. analog
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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
polk432
1,116 posts
 
Check your inbox.
acbc
38 posts
 
Marantz TT-15 S1
$1499.00 list

You might be able to find it cheaper than the list price. Look into this set-up, its got some great components bundled into an easy to set up system.

Good luck
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I see that Rega P9 for $1350 didn't last long. ;)
Keep looking, another sweet deal will come along.
chayro
1,801 posts
 
Some good advice given, but don't forget the isolation issue. I have springy wood floors and when I got my first tt the mid-2000s (after giving up vinyl in the 80s) it was a total nightmare. I looked at the table the wrong way and the arm went flying. Totally solved by a Target wallshelf, but I just saying - make sure you have a good, stable place to put the table. It is a big part of analog. I vote for a Music Hall MMF7 for your tt. Comes all complete with a nice, pre-mounted cart, a decent arm, dustcover... This should keep you busy for a couple of years. When you're buying your first, you shouldn't have to worry about all these adjustments. Just play records. Later on, you can get into the minutae.
gotog
75 posts
 
Strongly agree with Elizabeth that synergy between table, arm, cart, and phono preamp is key along with proper setup and isolation (as suggested by Chayro). Given that you are a newbie this would be best achieved working with a dealer. It would also give you the opportunity to listen to tables at different price points within your budget - or maybe even a little less than your budget to see if you notice a discernible difference - some of the more basic offerings by the likes of Rega, Pro-Ject, Music Hall, etc - coupled with an upgraded cart, good phono preamp and isolation can give tables in the next budget tier a good run for the money. If no dealer in your area, I have found the folks at NeedleDoctor to be very helpful. It's always best to trust your ears, but if asked to make a more specific recommendation in your price range, I would probably look at the Clearaudio Concept package - if you could stretch a little bit, perhaps substitute package cart with something like the Ortofon Black.
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