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New to vinyl, which turntable, etc?

I am seriously wanting to get into vinyl, as it's been many years since I've listened at my parents on their old, giant console unit. I've heard a lot of good things about vinyl and feel it's about time I jump in.

But where does one start? I'm thinking of building up the bottlehead phono stage and wondering what tables/set ups are worthy. I've seen things from Rega and Music Hall in my price range. I'd like to stay under $500 for the platter/arm/cartidge to get things started ($400 if possible). What should someone look for in a set-up? Are there any great bargains out there?

Thanks much in advance!
one_speed
xcr1234
4 posts
 
I have a rega planar 2 I bought used with a rb250 arm for about $250, with the adition of a super bias cart (also rega) it would be in your budget. Regarding the buying of used vinal- some of the records I have sound very clean, while others have some surface noise. All play through enjoyably, and the condition seems to have little to do with the price, so carful examination is probubly the best option
dekay's avatar
dekay
2,959 posts
 
Jyprez:

LA is a great place to purchase thrift shop vinyl. Many well cared for collections are still being donated on a regular basis. This said, I really don't purchase much anymore as I have not been able to properly clean and store what we already have (need to catch up).
jyprez's avatar
jyprez
229 posts
 
It sounds from the posts on Audiogon that the West Coast is a better place than East to purchase used vinyl. I purchase most of mine through GEMM. They have dealers from all over the world but I have noticed that many of the things I have purchased have come from the West coast. My favorite used classic Jazz source on the East Coast is The Jazz Record Center in NY www.jazzrecordcenter.com They have tons of great stuff but it ain't cheap. Where do you shop?
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