entry level TT

Johnnyb,

Thanks for the link to Tone Audio. I had forgotten about it and I really enjoyed the review of the AT tt. But! I even more enjoyed the review of The Tubes concert and the interview with Fee Waybill in the same issue. I was a huge fan in the 70's-80's and still listen to them today. Their "What do you want from Live" record is one of my all-time favorites. Anyway, the review prompted me to seek out the next local Tubes show so I can re-live what a real rock show was all about.......

Enjoy,

TIC

For $200, you could realistically go with the well-made Technics knock-off, the Audio-Technica AT-PL120. It was even well-reviewed in issue 11 of Tone Audio Online, p. 9, by the editor, whose main TT is a Rega P9.

Another great entry level TT that I know to work well with vintage Dynaco tube electronics is the Goldring GR1.2. I have a friend with an all-Dynaco rig and he replaced the pawnshop Dual with the Goldring and he was ecstatic over the improvement it made. I found him a demo closeout for something like $217, but they list around $449. The best price I saw this time around was LP Gear, but I think they're out of stock.

For that price I'm assuming you're thinking used. Think Technics SL1200, old Thorens, or newer Rega, Pro-Ject, or Music Hall. Be prepared to buy a new cartridge. Double your budget and you can think new if you want that. There's nothing any good that's new at that price, but perhaps you know that.

Try the Regas. Used P2 or P3 could be found for around $300. You can modify the arms later as your budget permits. I had an older P3 a while back with a PAS2 pre and Pilot260 amp and was happy with that set-up.