2. analog
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Turntable on a $5k budget?

I'd like to give vinyl a try. I thought about starting with an inexpensive table but I think I may as well just buy once and be happy for a long time instead of upgrading later. I don't see why it wouldn't work out for me, I am willing to learn the proper setup just need a little guidance towards a good quality table and tonearm. I prefer a smooth, fatigue free sound over hyper resolution and detail.

I've listened to an SME 20/2 table with IV.Vi tonearm and I thought that was perfect for my taste but it is out of my budget. Should I be looking at suspended tables for that type of sound or is that not the deciding factor of how the table will sound overall?

The $5k is not the ceiling, I can extend my budget another $1500 for a tonearm on top of the table if the table is really that good.

I've read some reviews of the suspended tables such as Oracle, Sota and a few of non suspended such as Nottingham, Michell, Basis. Will any of the mentioned tables get me close to what I am looking for?

I am planning on using the phono stage of my McIntosh C500 preamp, it has both MM/MC phono stage. The rest of the system is McIntosh 501 monoblocks and Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento speakers.

Thanks in advance.
flyski
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
My standard response in this case is 1) that everything is system-dependent, so no one person's answer is necessarily going to be right, 2) to look around in the archives here, and spend some time digging around in the Vinyl Asylum before spending money, 3) a huge amount can be accomplished with some elbow grease if you have DIY tendencies, and more recently, 4) What method of acquiring would make you happy? (for some, the DIY route is rewarding above and beyond the dollar savings which can be achieved; for others, buying new is the only way it will happen, but in all cases, especially in these newly tough times, personal satisfaction with one's purchase is paramount).

I personally go for non-suspended "massy" tables and for the last couple of years have been having fun with some DD and idler tables (especially those with massy plinths). I have not heard a really good SME set-up so cannot compare.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
many 'new' to vinyl, become intoxicated with the idea of owning 'a turntable', then find vinyl's shortcomings sobering regardless of the money spent. good luck.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
2-3 offers caught my eye:Verdier/Kuzma ,Basis/Vaector and Verdier/Vector in the $5-6 range,one is offered with a cartridge (Benz).
davt
499 posts
 
Within the budget also plan for a record cleaning machine, the VPI 16.5 is great. For turntables, though I prefer the Nottingham VPI makes a great turntable and arm in the scoutmaster and if you don't like vinyl or you plan on upgrading it is easy to resell. For a cartridge I don't know what your preamp has for phono gain, if you need higher gain the sumiko blackbird is a great choice. If you can get by with lower gain a really nice cart that would stay within your budget would be the shelter 501 or dynavector Karat 17D3. There are many other choices of course. This may give you some flexibility to upgrade if you like vinyl. There are many other fine choices. Many 'new' to vinyl become intoxicated with the idea of owning a 'turntable', then find vinyl is more satisfying than they ever expected and end up as it being thier primary musical source.Your other gear would support a fine analog front end. One other critacal piece of information, get a turntable from a knowledable dealer in turntable set up who can help you get it working correctly.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
One would think this journey had been taken so many times by so may people that there'd be a well-worn and safe path to satisfaction.

There isn't.

Each person walks his own route through the vinyl jungle, and when the journey is done each traveler either trades in his survival gear for better gear, or he sells the gear and vows never to return to the jungle.

One thing is almost certain; whatever equipment you buy initially will in all likelihood not be what you own a year or two hence.

I wish you the best of luck on your trip though the jungle.
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