[mklamb]

Hi,

I am getting into analog/LPs and my budget is under $1000 (trying hard ).
Here are the list of components I am thinking of getting.

Suggestions/Comments/Opinions are very welcome.

1. Pro-ject Debut III turntable ($299)
OR
1. Audio Technica AT-PL120 (I read the review on ToneAudio and other places)
OR
1. KAB-modded Technics SL-1200 (I do not know which mods for a starter system, help here would be great!)

2. Pro-ject Speed box II ($129) (is this required?)

3. Pro-ject Phono box II pre-amp (the $129)
OR
3. Cambridge 640P Phono ($169)
OR
3. Bellari VP129 ($250)
The phono will be connected to an Onkyo TX-SR674 and my current 5.1 Kenwood speakers (these came with my HTiB around 8 years ago).
If I decide to get a separate integrated amp+speakers for the turntable system, what would be the models I should be researching?

For setting it up
4. Ultimate Analogue Test LP ($40)
5. Michael Fremer Turntable Set-Up DVD ($30)

Cleaning (just ideas here)
6. KAB EV-1
7. ?

Do I require anything else?  I have the necessary RCA cables.
(I have this posted in the AudioAsylum/Vinyl forum too)

Thanx,
Mahesh

[Wayner]

I would get the SL-1200. Forget the mods for now. No sense getting everthing modded if you haven't even heard the basic table. I suggest an Audio Technica AT440MLa cartridge, which is a MM type so all you will need is a preamp or receiver with a built in phono section and you are off and listening. You will need a sturdy perch to set the turntable on and that spot should be away from the speakers, if possible, to lessen feedback issues.

You will also need a VTF scale. I suggest the Shure SFG2 for $25 bucks. The you will need a record brush and I suggest a Discwasher D4 with it's own cleaning fluid.

That would be a good basic starter kit. See how it goes from there and if you think you will like vinyl and want to upgrade the table, Kevin at KAB will take it back and upgrade to anything you want.

FWIW.

Wayner

[Matt__P]

I would get the SL-1200. Forget the mods for now. No sense getting everthing modded if you haven't even heard the basic table. I suggest an Audio Technica AT440MLa cartridge, which is a MM type so all you will need is a preamp or receiver with a built in phono section and you are off and listening. You will need a sturdy perch to set the turntable on and that spot should be away from the speakers, if possible, to lessen feedback issues.

You will also need a VTF scale. I suggest the Shure SFG2 for $25 bucks. The you will need a record brush and I suggest a Discwasher D4 with it's own cleaning fluid.

That would be a good basic starter kit. See how it goes from there and if you think you will like vinyl and want to upgrade the table, Kevin at KAB will take it back and upgrade to anything you want.

FWIW.

Wayner

This is the same combo I have and am extremely happy with it. Check Craigslist for 1200's. There are alot of "aspiring"
Dj's that buy these and never get around to living that dream.
got mine new in the box for $275.

[Rashiki]

2. Pro-ject Speed box II ($129) (is this required?)

Not absolutely required, but it makes swapping between 33 and 45 RPM much easier. Without the speed box, you need to lift off the platter and move the belt between two different pulleys. With the speed box, you just push a button.

I second the recommendation for a record brush -- that's a necessity in my opinion. I found that with the Pro-ject, I could live without the VTF scale. Your mileage may vary.

If you do decide to go with the Pro-ject, the cheapest place I've found them is Musician's Friend. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ProJect-Debut-III-Audiophile-Turntable?sku=807600. It's the same MSRP as everywhere else, but they frequently have 10%-off sales.

 -Rob

[mklamb]

Thanx Wayner, Matt and Rashiki.
Good info.

[ChairSpud]

The SL-1210 (black version of the SL1200) can sometimes be found on sale at musiciansfriend for $399 with free shipping. If you buy the SL1200, I'd suggest at a minimum adding Kevin's KAB silicone damping system, it tames that S-shaped arm and it will sound better. I've tried the 440MLa and Cambridge 640P on the SL1210 and the combination sounds very good together.

Dave

[Wayner]

Dave,

The black version is SL-1200MK2PK. The SL-1210 has +/- 18% pitch change that most of us don't need.

Wayner 

[ChairSpud]

Hi Wayne,

I've got a 1210MKII and it's definitely black, it came from musiciansfriend last November, and has a 120V/220V switch which makes it the international version. You might be thinking of the MK3 or is it MK5 version? I recall Technics also made the 1700MKII and 1800MKII in black as the 1710MKII and 1810MKII. There may be others too.

Dave

[mklamb]

Thanx for the responses. It has been helpful.

I have been on e-mail with Kevin (KAB) and he has been very helpful. He is extremely knowledgeable and not at all pushy.
I am looking at the SL-1200 with the rewire and damper. He suggested a Stanton 681EEE cart for it initially.

What are the thoughts on the AT-PL120? No-one seems to recommend it on its own or the the LPgear modded?

Mahesh

[TheChairGuy]

What are the thoughts on the AT-PL120? No-one seems to recommend it on its own or the the LPgear modded?

Mahesh

Member TONEPUB has tested it (and may even own one)...likes or liked it very much. 

It's a heckuva' price if it's near as good as the unit it is copying - the Technics SL-1200.  Upgrade the AT-95 to the shibata (SA type) and LPGear could recommend a good phono preamp (they are North America distributor for Graham Slee - good stuff).  The preamp that comes with the AT is probably crap.

The reviews on Amazon are stellar...normally a good sign of at least build quality: http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B00012EYNG/ref=cm_cr_pr_recent?%5Fencoding=UTF8&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

For under $750 to your door, you'd have some great tunes (and all set up already by LP Gear) - well under your $1000.00 budget 

John

[ChairSpud]

There was a very recent thread over on the audiokarma board discussing the merits of the AT-PL120. The concensus among owners of both the Technics SL1200 and the AT-PL120 was that the AT had a few more features but in no way compared sonically or in build quality. After reading the comments I would not recommend the AT-PL120 for anything but casual listening. Sorry to dis your recommendation John, no disrespect intended.

Sounds like Kevin has steered you in the right direction, I haven't heard a 681eee since the 70's but as I recall the midrange was special and should sound very nice on the Technics. What preamp are you considering, has Kevin recommended something?

Dave

[mklamb]

What preamp are you considering, has Kevin recommended something?

Dave

I asked him the following options:
1. Cambridge 640p
2. Bellari VP129
He said either one. He personally has the Bellari. He also mentioned the Creek OBH18.

I have also asked him about the other stuff - cleaning, Setup Vinyl (Analogue Setup LP), etc. Waiting on that from him.

Mahesh

[ChairSpud]

I've not heard the Bellari so can't comment on it, but I recently acquired a Cambridge 640P and have been using it with a SL1210 and Denon DL-110 moving coil cartridge (and also on a P2 with DL-110). For an inexpensive preamp, the 640P does a pretty good job, warm sounding with good detail and never harsh. The soundstage is a little recessed and has surprising depth, more musical sounding than analytical, and very easy to listen to for long periods. Matched with the DL-110 on the Technics the 640P sounds nice.

[mklamb]

Thanx ChairSpud!!
Feeback on the 640p is really helpful.

[superchad]

For around $250 you could pick up a used Musical Surroundings Phonomena stage that will load about any cart you can imagine, I have one and really like it.