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Help for a vinyl novice

Hello,

I've swam about in hi-end audio for over a decade now, but only in the digital world. I've had plenty of experience with tubes, ss, planars, drivers, etc. However, i'm making the plunge into the deeper waters of vinyl. Whenever I see a good, "entry-level" tt for sale, I immediately start researching it here and elsewhere online. And, of course, there are as many good reviews as there are detractors and I end up with cold feet.

Could someone point me to a solid tt under $1K, including arm and cartridge? I'm not averse to upgrading either at a later date and feel comfortable enough to undertake such an upgrade as needed, though not immediately.

I have a pair of Reference 3A de Capo i's being powered by an LSA Statement integrated with an MM phono input. My listening room is small - 10'W x 12'L x 7'H - and I have an 8" Velodyne sub lurking in the corner.

Maybe take a look at what's being offered now and advise? or advise what to look for in future listings?

Thank you much,

Simao
128x128simao
chayro
1,801 posts
 
A dealer is selling a Music Hall MMF 5.1, 7-day old customer return with full warranty. Comes with everything you need. I had one and it's a very good tt to start out with. When you upgrade, you'll only lose a few hundred bucks. Not bad in this game.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-music-hall-mmf-5-1-great-deal-on-7-day-old-unit-2014-01-20-analog-19020
dgarretson
2,394 posts
 
Consider a Technics SL1200 direct drive table. Web search on the various SL1200 modification services(KAB, Zu Audio, Applied Fidelity, others.) This gives you a solid platform for future upgrades to a very high level of performance, and lots of fun along the way.
martinman's avatar
martinman
43 posts
 
Hi Simao,

I was in your position only a few months ago. Here's the thread I started:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1388455928&&&/Turntable-suggestion-budget-or-not-

My suggestion:
Linn LP12
Technics 1200Mk2
VPI Traveler

For Pre (you don't need one, but for reference):
Cambridge 651p
Musical Fidelity V-LPS
Jolida JD9
Musical Surrounds Phonomena II

I ended up (much to my surprise) with a Technics. For about $500 used you can get a very good TT provided it's not DJ'ed. I'll eventually upgrade, but for right now, entry level, I don't think you can go wrong.
simao's avatar
simao OP
656 posts
 
hi all,

your advice is awesome - as is all your backing information. I'm still weighing and waffling - but thanks also for the feedback. Please keep it coming? I'll post when I settle on one. And where I live it's hard to audition a specific tt; plus, I'd like to do it through my own system rather than a dealer's.
dsper
271 posts
 
ditto the Technics 1200 with upgrades and damping. It is not a bad place to start and you will not spend more money until you know something else is better - it is that good.
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