Clueless Analog Newbie, Looking to Buy


As stated in the subject, I'm new to turntables, and would like to buy my first turntable. I've got an old NAD integrated AMP and Triangle Titus speakers.

To be perfectly honest, I know absolutely nothing about turntables. Cartridges, weighing etc etc....

I guess I'm looking to buy something used or a cheap new turntable. Thinking of the pro-ject debut 3, or maybe the rega p1. Though I'm slightly hesitant to spend $3-400 on a table I know nothing about. Will the Pro-Ject need some sort of adapter to play 45s?

Any suggestions? Or should I just stick with CDs?
knotgreen

Showing 5 responses by nrenter

Go out to Amazon and get a Audio-Technica AT-PL120 turntable for about $175, order a Audio-Technica AT440MLa from LPGear.com for about $120 and have a respectable setup for less than $400. For now, you will be more than happy with this set up.

Analog does not have to be expensive. It *can* be *very* expensive, but it does not have to be this way. You just happen to post on a site where people trade components that cost way more than my first car (or second car, or even my current BMW, for that matter).

After you start buying LPs, send me an e-mail with the bands / LPs you buy...I'd be interested in knowing. Also, if you need help setting up your table once you get it, shoot me an e-mail and I'll help you out.
I know...I know...

Some people make this far more complicated than it really needs to be.
Sounds like all your father's advice on the subject has done is delayed your enjoyment ( or perhaps dissatisfaction ) of an analog front end. Is he willing to pony up some cash to get you an "acceptable" table?

Quite frankly, when I was your age, I "wasted" far more than $400 on far worse ideas. If you don't like the AT table, you'll get most of it back by selling it here on the 'gon. I wish I could say the same for my "bad ideas".
Tvad, you are absolutely right...he should buy a $161.78 turntable, purchase LP's that cost less than $40, and stay away from the equipment snobs on Audiogon. Problem solved.

I'm glad we could end this thread with an agreement.
You own a Teres turntable, an Origin Live Silver tonearm and a Denon DL103 cartridge. A pretty sizable investment.

And it took me 10 years, 4 companies and and MBA to get there. I like nice things, and I'm not going to apologize for that. Do I need this setup to enjoy music? Nope. Not at all. Do I apprecaite the design, the history, the build, and the fact I can call the guy that build my table should I so care to? Yes. And I'll pay dearly for that privledge.

Tell me again, how does this make me a snob? There is a price point for every music lover, and there is a product at damn near every price point. I don't disparage anyone's means or priorities. On the contrary, I find workable solutions where you offer nothing but discouraging words.

I have a "music lover" freind that has 10x the LP collection I will ever have, and have been using the same Technics SL-1200 that I picked out for him back in Jr. High (mid-80's). He loves that table and will use it until he dies.

I have another "music lover" friend that owns his own record label that uses an AT table (the same one I recommended) an could not be happier with it. Again, he'll probably use it forever.

I have "audiophile" friend that wouldn't be happy no matter what was in his system, as he's chasing that "absolute sound."

OP doesn't sound like an "audiophile". He sounds like a "music lover". We could use a few more of those around here. And if someday he wants to upgrade his system, provided he can afford it, God bless him.

Besides, who are you to define what is "satisfying" for him, and how long this "satisfaction" will last?