[doug g]

Hi

I’m contemplating my first foray into vinyl and would like to possibly get some experienced recommendations for a system. Budget: $1000 - $1500. This would need to include a phono preamp as well (however I do have a Mapletree 4ASE preamp currently not in use, this does have a phono input it’s possible I could use this – just not sure of the quality of this pre phono)

My current system is Blue Circle FTTH hybrid integrated and Ref 3A MM DeCapo monitors. Audionote cabling.

I had ascended the CD step ladder to my current unit which is an Ayon CD2 (not a shabby unit) Don’t get me wrong, it sounds good - actually fantastic but there’s something missing in terms of involvement. Recently I tried a Sony Playstation 1 and in my books it was so much more involving than the Ayon – sure it wasn’t as detailed and not as “impressive” as the Ayon, but there was just something about the music that drew me in on an emotional level that I haven’t experienced before. A friend recommended that I try Vinyl based on this experience. So, here I am…..

My preference leans to lush rather than analytical

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

cheers     

[Wayner]

At that budget point, there are several tables to recommend. First would be the Technics SL-1200MKII DD, if you can find one. I think Kevin at www.KABUSA.com has 2 silver ones left (about $850). You can put any cartridge on it that you may like, but I have successfully run an Audio Technica AT440MLa and a Grado Gold1 (Longhorn) with great results.

If you lean more to the traditional belt drive units, then I would have to recommend the REGA P3-24. That unit comes with a power supply to change speeds on the DC motor and it can be had with a Rega cartridge, tho I would rather myself have the AT440MLa or something else (others will chime in).

There are 2 suggestions for you. Others will add to the post.

Wayner

[orthobiz]

Lots of good vintage at that price, too. Vinylnirvana dot com for AR and Thorens is a good place to look. I just had an old Dual 1216 refurbished by Bill Neumann at fixmydual dot com, I'll have to post pics soon, but he sells primo 701's for about 750 . Johnchairguy had one from bill at one time.

Paul

[rcag_ils]

Lots of good vintage at that price, too.

Lower! At $850+shipping, I can think of many, many more cost effective options with higher performance.

Vinylnirvana's prices are kind of high, but I am sure he does good restoration work.

[raindance]

Rega P2 or P3 with an Ortofon OM10 or OM20 cartridge. Use the Mapletree preamp.

Or look at Music Hall turntables. Both at Audioadvisor.

These are all way better than an SL1200.

[drphoto]

I too have the MT 4SE Ultra. It's phono stage lured me back into vinyl. In my limited experience, it's been hard to find really quiet tubes for the phono stage in this amp. It uses the somewhat quirky 12SC7 for this function. (the metal tube that looks like a cap)

I went through three pair, just to find ones that were tolerable. But I still have a bit of low end rumbly noise that forces me to turn down the subs on vinyl.

Don't get me wrong, I think the Doc builds one hell of a nice tube pre for the money, but I'm not really sure about the phono section. Even though I've sworn off more audio purchases, I've considered getting a dedicated phono pre because of the noise issue. Hopefully, you will have better results.

 I'm running a Rega P3-24, which I picked up new for a fraction of new price from an online dealer. Cart is a Denon DL-160.

Many here, who's opionion I really respect recommend the Technics 1200. Supposed to be an oustanding sounding unit for the money I just  didn't care for the look of a "DJ" type of deck, but that's just me.

I e wanted a more 'classic' look, like a Linn or Sota, which I suppose the Rega isn't, but it has grown on me.

It sounds lovely btw. My only beef ( see earlier post) is it does't quite qet the depth of soundstate as my really good digital rig can. But it can do such wonderful things w/ the mids that...yeah.....I'm hooked.


Sorry to ramble...I tend to do that on this forum

[raindance]

On the SL1200 - they are good for DJ use. I found they required too much tracking force for repeated playing of your prized albums with the standard arm. I used to use them in a small campus radio station. The other recommendations I made have really great bearings in the arm and can track lighter. The Ortofon cartridges I found to not be the most perfect, but they track light, reproduce bass well and are easy on your vinyl.

I tried Grado and there cartridges were really musical, but eventually ate my LP's.

[Ericus Rex]

The Music Hall 5.1 SE looks like a very good table.  Complete with a pretty decent cartridge and pre setup!  You'd still have enough dough to get a Jolida phono stage and then you'd have a very good sounding setup for around $1500.

[doug g]

Thanks for all the great advice.  Seems like the Rega 3 is tough to go wrong with, haven't really seen anything too negative about it. The vintage AR's from vinylnirvana look very nice, I'm going to get in contact with Dave this weekend and get his feedback too. Technics 1200 -I'll have to investigate this lead some more. Looks like this will be an interesting journey. It's kind of challenging just jumping in like this, I don't want to spend too much and end up disappointed, nor do i want to spend too little and miss the "vinyl magic" All thoughts appreciated.

[rcag_ils]

There's simply NO good starter plug and play table under $1000 in today's dollar. If you really only be able to afford less than $1000 on a turntable, then get a lower price belt drive (still not great), instead of a direct drive. I would never waste close to $1000 on a direct drive.

[Wayner]

On  the SL1200 - they are good for DJ use. I found they required too much  tracking force for repeated playing of your prized albums with the  standard arm. I used to use them in a small campus radio station. The  other recommendations I made have really great bearings in the arm and  can track lighter. The Ortofon cartridges I found to not be the most  perfect, but they track light, reproduce bass well and are easy on your  vinyl.

I tried Grado and there cartridges were really musical, but eventually ate my LP's.

 I run an AT440MLa at 1.5 grams on my Technics and there are no problems.  I do not use the standard 14.929 overhang (Stevenson's alignment), but  rather I use a 18.282 overhang to achieve a Lofgren B alignment. The  outer screw is almost all the way out on the slot.
 
 These are great home tables, not necessarily for DJ use and mated with the right cartridge, will produce some very fine analog.
 
 Wayner