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Turntables

I am kicking the idea of trying out vinyl. It’s been a long time since I had a turntable and it took a lot of thought whether I can deal with what always seemed like the snap, crackle & pops of an album. Anyway, I’ve decided to take a plunge after all the buzz how awesome it is. Of course before I make any final decisions, I always turn to the Audiogon community for their expert thoughts, opinions and education. I’m also looking for suggestions for a nice affordable table with tone arm and cartridge. Being the fact this is new to me and I may hate it, I’m looking for suggestions on the best affordable set up I can do for a new or used in the price range of $1000/$1500. I’m sure I can get a better bang for the buck going used. I just don’t know anything about these animals. My system is older but I still enjoy it which consist of a Mark Levinson 23.5 amp, Proceed AVP 2+6 used for 2 channel audio, Audio Acoustics model 9 speakers, Ayre DAC for digital with Transparent Audio Ultra mm2 cables. Any input is greatly appreciated!
luvrockin
last_lemming
407 posts
 
Do you have no where you can go and listen to a good vinyl set up just to see if it would even be worth your while?
luvrockin's avatar
luvrockin OP
187 posts
 
With all the suggestions, I thank you all. I have looked into every one of them and decided to pull the trigger and have an invoice awaiting payment on a "mint" VPI Scout Aries with dust cover. No cartridge included. The deal is going to set me over budget a bit but I landed the table for $1200, which I think is pretty fair. Now onto the cartridge 
last_lemming
407 posts
 
I do agree that if you’re going to get into this hobby you have to make sure you can adjust and set up your own turntable or else changes are almost impossible without spending money at a dealer every time. Takes the fun away for sure. Plus once you know how to set up a turntable you really begin to understand what makes it work and what you can do to change the sound. 
last_lemming
407 posts
 
 That’s a solid choice but you will need to learn to set it up. I own a VPI Prime and it can be finicky the first few times you try to set it up but once you understand the idiosyncrasies you’ll be fine. 

 I agree with others best to go for a decent cart and spend the money on a good pre. 

Ortofon should be a good starting point for you
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
It’s interesting, one of my overseas trading partners asked me to put together a phono system to integrate with Naim gear for him. I tried to wave him off but he’s stuck on it. Budget was 2K. So I went to work.

Right now, in my listening room, I have a Rega Planar 25 with P9 feet, Groovetracer jewel sub platter, weight, Delrin platter and Exact 2 with under 20 hours on it. Cost $1250, Rega Fono 2, another $250 and Chord RCA to DIN cable, $70 more. It really sounds great. I love Technics tables as well, but the received wisdom is that they do not slot in well to a Naim system.
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