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Best budget table?

I am a vinyl addict. I have been collecting records for 3 years now and my 70's marantz table with a Grado Black cartridge still sounds pretty good but I definately need an upgrade. I want a table that is under 1k (used is fine too) has a motor mounted somewhere other than underneath the table (no MMF-1, MMF-2, MMF-5, Rega, or Linn). I love the Micro Seiki tables but they are impossible to find. I liked the VPI scout a LOT but with the addition of a decent arm and cartridge the price is too high, same with the Clearaudio champion and Nottingham tables. Anyone have any suggestions? I have no problem using vintage gear if it sounds great. My speakers are MB Quart S1030's powered off of an Onkyo DS696 receiver with Phono inputs, but that is just my HT setup as I am now designing a 2-channel system that will probably include the following:
-Revel F30 Performas
-Mcintosh integrated amplifier
-Meridian CD player
I just want to get the turntable first so I can enjoy all of my 180 gram pressings in the meantime.
Thanks!
bmw328iproject

Showing 1 response by pyite

pyite
28 posts
 
I have always read that Thorens tables are a good one when
you don't want to spend too much. Of course, one man's
low-end is another man's impossibly expensive luxury! I
picked up a TD-110 for $50 and added a Shure M97XE
cartridge; sounds pretty good to me.

I think the best bargain is a TD-125 with a removable
arm board so you can experiment with different tone arms.
People seem to like that Shure SME-3009 arm; this combo
might be my next one if I ever find a reason to upgrade.
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