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What Budget turntable should I buy?

I'm just getting back into analog and would like to add a turntable. I have a NAD C350/540 combo running through Paradigm Mini-Monitors. I also hope to add a sub soon. I have $500-$600 budget. I also need to pick up a phono preamp. According to all the press - I am considering the following. NAD 533, Music Hall MMF-5 or even the MMF 2.1. For preamps the NAD PP-1, Creek OBH-8 or Parasound PPH-100. I listen mainly to Jazz with some classical. Any recommendations??
jpstereo5b35
vibeman
29 posts
 
If you are really on a budget look for a used REK-O-KUT. a "No Brainer". For the money you can have one in every room! Out performs table upwards of 1K. Worth the money just to buy one and try it. It made my LINN ,P25 ( and myself) look stupid. Definitely the last table I'll own. If you find one let me know.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Start with the battery operated Radio Shack RAT if you are in a budget (www.radioshack.com). It is reputed to outperform everything under $200 USD. Run a search on the Audio Asylum posts if interesed.

As for a TT, yes, get a belt drive! Anyone, as long as a reviewer liked it...you'll sleep calmly at night.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
What's this REK O KUT turntable?

What's the website, dude?
ncarv
974 posts
 
There is a great deal on ebay right now. Slightly used Sumiko Pro-ject Wood Classic. Lists for $750, with Grado Gold cartridge, list $180. Bid, last check, is at $301, with a "Buy It Now" at $450. Bidding ends in 4 days. I was going to buy it, but I bought the VPI jr that avguygeorge touted. Thanks avguygeorge!
jeffloistarca
1,004 posts
 
On a budget I'm a fan of the SystemDek 'tables (Scottish) and sometimes you come across realtively inexpensive Oracle 'tables as well. I picked up a real nice Oracle Alexandria for $300 at a local dealer. I'd avoid the NAD, low end Regas, and the Music Hall tables, they're flimsy and strike me as unreliable in the long haul.
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