Need Intro Record Player and Phono

jparkhur · « **on:** 12 Mar 2013, 06:40 pm »

Ok, Im ready.. I need a record player, simple, easy under 500 dollars. I live near Needle Doctor in MPLS, so that is an option. What head to get? Do I need MM or MC?

Thanks

Jon
I have 150 records, mostly listen to headless mac mini, i have three kids with hands........

Maritan · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 Mar 2013, 06:49 pm »

New or used TT? How willing are you to tinker a little?

You'll also need a phono stage/ pre-amp since your system only lists a passive. Decware makes what looks to be a nice ZP3 if you want to stay with Decware stuff.

Your phono stage will decide if you even have a choice between an MM and MC cart.

There are many folks on this board that have a lot more experience than I do with this stuff. I just recently went through this too, so I'll try to be as helpful as a I can.

jparkhur · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Mar 2013, 06:50 pm »

I have a Dodd VG pre amp now.. no phono. No tinkering, i'll break it.. It needs to JUST WORK.

Jon

Dodd Variable Gain Preamp
KT66 Clementine Chubby Tube amp
Mac Mini
dB Audio Dac
cables
speakers

roscoeiii · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Mar 2013, 07:06 pm »

At under $500 I'd think about a Project, or a Rega RP-1. Haven't used either but had a long chat with a friend and dealer about the sub-$500 deck he'd recommend used.

Now if you are comfortable with turntables and set-up, you'd have a ton of great used options.

jparkhur · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Mar 2013, 07:14 pm »

Quote from: roscoeiii on 12 Mar 2013, 07:06 pm

At under $500 I'd think about a Project, or a Rega RP-1. Haven't used either but had a long chat with a friend and dealer about the sub-$500 deck he'd recommend used.

Now if you are comfortable with turntables and set-up, you'd have a ton of great used options.

No set up and no comfort... just works..

TomS · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Mar 2013, 07:16 pm »

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-rega-p1-turntable-w-bias-cartridge-2013-03-07-analog-80111-cherry-hills-vil-co

That Rega P-1 with Boris's AC special edition Audiovista phono stage would be pretty nice. Then just move up the chain to RP3 RP6 etc. later. No fuss tables and arms for sure.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Mar 2013, 07:17 pm »

Get MM at that price. If needledoctor is nearby and you don't have experience and comfort with turntables, I'd go from needledoctor or an audio store in the MPLS area that sells used tables and offers good support.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Mar 2013, 07:18 pm »

An even cheaper phono stage that I have liked is the Musical Fidelity V-LPS.

jparkhur · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 Mar 2013, 07:19 pm »

Thanks guys.. still following.

craig223 · « **Reply #9 on:** 12 Mar 2013, 07:28 pm »

This one is a bit over your budget, but you may be able to bargain on the price:

Vpi HW-19Jr Turntable w/ Sumiko MMT arm, Shure cartridge - $750 (Cornelius)

This turntable has a fairly new belt on it, and is in excellent condition. The only cosmetic issue is on the plinth where an auto lift device use to be located, now there are two divots. Dust cover is excellent. Sumiko Premiere MMT tonearm is in great shape, and the cartridge is a brand new Shure M97xe
The same model TT just sold on Ebay for 732.00 with no tonearm or cartridge on it, so this is appropriately priced.

Call 704-516-7493
From a craigslist ad. Been on there a month or so. Pix look great.
Craig

orthobiz · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Mar 2013, 11:06 am »

Quote from: craig223 on 12 Mar 2013, 07:28 pm

The same model TT just sold on Ebay for 732.00 with no tonearm or cartridge on it, so this is appropriately priced.

The one on eBay is up again, original winner did not pay. Interesting to see what it goes for this time because I thought the first auction had a lot of spirited late bidding.

Paul

roscoeiii · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Mar 2013, 02:12 pm »

I had an HW-19jr and quite liked it. It also gives you an upgrade path with better platters, etc. that allows you to reach III, IV status etc.

neobop · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Mar 2013, 03:01 pm »

Quote from: jparkhur on 12 Mar 2013, 06:40 pm

Ok, Im ready.. I need a record player, simple, easy under 500 dollars. I live near Needle Doctor in MPLS, so that is an option. What head to get? Do I need MM or MC?

Thanks

Jon
I have 150 records, mostly listen to headless mac mini, i have three kids with hands........

Hi Jon,
You're an industry participant and you need a $500 record player and phono stage?

This is to play your 150 records. Did someone give you these records? Have you used a record player before? What are your expectations? We might be able to help you figure this out, but your budget seems unrealistic for someone who needs plug n play.
neo

jparkhur · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Mar 2013, 03:18 pm »

I'm not sure how I got upgraded to industry participant, maybe maxcast can turn me back to normal guy. I have a few thousand CDs but have housed my fathers set if records for years. It's time to get in but since I am just an average Jon I don't want to spend 2000 on a TT when I have little hands of mischief

Doublej · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 Mar 2013, 05:03 pm »

Under $300

http://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-DEBUT-MATTE-BLACK-TURNTABLE/dp/B000CDHQK2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363194098&sr=8-1&keywords=pro-ject+turntable

Lockable cabinet extra.

neobop · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 Mar 2013, 05:25 pm »

Because of your situation both monetarily, and with the kids, would archiving the records be a more practical option? I don't really know much about archiving services, but maybe a friend has a good record player? From what you say, it might be a waste of money to spend $500 and still not be able to really enjoy the records. Also, I don't know what condition the records are in, but in general, they have to be cleaned and maintained. It does take a bit of money. I'm not saying you can't get a record player set up for $500, but...

Not long ago I saw 2 used V-LPS for around $100. There are entry level set ups for for around $400 at NeedleDr. Some include a phono stage for a PC. They have specials and closeouts all the time. If you befriend the people there, they'll fix you up, I'm sure. If you have a friend with a really nice table, maybe you could transfer them a couple at a time and put them on a removable drive.
neo

Russtafarian · « **Reply #16 on:** 13 Mar 2013, 05:55 pm »

Here you go. For $219 shipped, you can't beat this Audio Technica for entry-level vinyl. A solid platform with direct drive speed stability. Has built-in phono stage and USB connection. You can upgrade it with a better cartridge and phono stage later if you like.

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-Turntable/dp/B002S1CJ2Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363196041&sr=8-1&keywords=audio+technica+turntable

For more money ($369) you can get the better built version. This is easily the best sub $500 TT on the planet. It's the same TT as the $1000 Denon Anniversary table from a few years ago without the fancy trim package.

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP1240-USB-Professional-DJ-Turntable/dp/B007R9B0UQ/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1363196403&sr=8-9&keywords=audio+technica+turntable

This also has a phono stage and USB. You'll need to add a cartridge but a Shure M97XE is $77 and easy to install.

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-High-Performance-Magnetic-Cartridge/dp/B00006I5SB/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1363196403&sr=8-6&keywords=audio+technica+turntable

For build quality and speed stability, I'd take either of these ATs over the sub $500 belt-drive TTs any day.

Russ

wushuliu · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 Mar 2013, 06:11 pm »

If not in a rush I'd say wait a month or two for the $200(?) U-turn Orbit table. They are supposed to be providing status updates soon. That and the new Hagerman Bugle2 which also debuts in May should be a strong combo that still comes in well under your budget.

jparkhur · « **Reply #18 on:** 14 Mar 2013, 01:10 pm »

Still watching..

MaxCast · « **Reply #19 on:** 14 Mar 2013, 02:28 pm »

Have you done a craigslist search in your area just to see what may be available?
You can also search ebay by distance first and see what might me close.