New Vinyl Setup

Dougdeacon, $5k is not an option for me, nor is losing "only" $1k upon resale.

I suspect it's not an option for a few others reading this thread as well.

I appreciate the lower cost options that have been offered thus far.

KThomas,
I'm not sure what your budget is, but a safe option would be a Rega P3 (new or used)with a Rega cartridge. Rega carts feature a 3 hole mounting system which makes alignment foolproof. Other than setting antiskate, there's no other adjustments to make. It's about a close to plug and play as you're going to get, and this setup will give you a pretty good taste of what quality vinyl playback is like. Could you get better sound for less money? Sure. Could you get better sound for less money and no tweaking, adjusting, modifying, futzing? Probably not.

Hey guys It's my first post. I myself just purchased a new table - actually a demo P3. It's certainly a step up from the old Technics & Pioneers I've had in the past. My previous table of any worth was a 1200MkII when I used to dj.

anyways, now that I'm grown up - or at least older ;) I'm enjoying a wider variety of music + I love the involvement that vinyl requires and the rewards that it gives. I've never really messed with the setup of my previous tables, but with the P3, I'm really learning alot. Trying different setups (Rega vs. OL) teaches you how everything works togeather. Plus there are tons of mods for the Rega.

Long story short - I'm glad with the deck I bought, I'm glad I didn't go cheaper and right now couldn't afford to go much higher in $$.

04-11-07: Greenp3
Hey guys It's my first post. I myself just purchased a new table - actually a demo P3. It's certainly a step up from the old Technics & Pioneers I've had in the past. My previous table of any worth was a 1200MkII when I used to dj.

Welcome to the Nut House!

Comparisons between the SL1200 MKII and Rega P3 are of interest to many here. Did you have an opportunity to compare them in your system, or was your experience with the SL1200 MKII restricted to the clubs?

I was using the 1200s way back about 10-12 years ago, I did a few house parties, but mostly just for my own entertainment. The 1200 is a rock solid table, with very fast startup/stop and a strong motor which I'm sure most people here alredy know. I have read some info recently on TNT discussing the direct drive vs. belt drive war - very interesting. Too bad I got rid of the 1200s - it would be a neat comparison test.