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TT suggestions for a newbie.

Hi All,
I recently inherited a large collection of Rock/Jazz albums from my dad and, in the meantime, came across a large lot of vinyl I bought in the 80s. I completely forgot about them and got really pumped thinking back to those days. Everything seemed to sound so much better then. Maybe it was better or I am just basking in the glow of my memories.

Regardless, I want to purchase a TT. I've scoured the web for info and, needless to say, I am staggered by the amount of data. The more forums and reviews I read the more I am confused. I know I want to by a nice, quiet, entry level model, made of solid parts. But of course, as with all newbies, I am on a budget. I don't have a preamp and the most I want to spend is $700, maybe at most $1000. I'd like have a model that has the capability for the tonearm to lift after a side is done playing, to reduce needle wear and tear. However, this is not a deal killer. I know the Thorens Turntable: TD 295 MkIV has that feature. But a review on here bashed that to bits saying it was a pro-ject with the Thorens name. I also like the Music Hall MMF 5.1. What entry level model is the best bang for the buck? Do I need a preamp? Suggestions can exclude the models I previously mentioned. I'd really appreciate your two cents.
eyepix

Showing 2 responses by johnnyb53

johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
If you surf the Web for prices, you should be able to find a Technics SL1210 M5G for around $500, maybe less. This is the most desirable one to start with because it has better tonearm wire than the models below it, and the M5G costs less than buying the lower-priced model and then getting the tonearm rewired. The Technics is a great table for the money but needs better tonearm wire than what comes standard in a Mk II or Mk V. The M5G takes care of that.

The Technics is a particularly good choice for your situation because 1) it is very affordable, 2) it is very well built, much better build quality than anything else near its price range, 3) Sounds pretty good out of the box and can be made to sound very good with a few relatively inexpensive aftermarket upgrades, 4) has outstanding speed accuracy and consistency, 5) sounds particularly good on classic rock and jazz, 6) smooth operation and ease of use makes it easy and enjoyable to use on a day-to-day basis 7) its removable headshell makes cartridge intallation much easier.

Next, for a cartridge in the $100-200 range that matches the Technics arm well, there's the Grado Prestige Blue ($110), Denon DL-110 ($140), Denon DL-160 ($180), Ortofon 2M Red ($99), Ortofon 2M Blue ($199), Sumiko Pearl ($95), Audio Technica AT440MLa ($129)...

The Denons will match better with the LPGear Zupreme headshell.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Oh yeah. For a phono preamp, it's REALLY hard to beat a Cambridge Audio
640P. The Cambridge is a true landmark: Compared to anything that costs
less, the 640P is worth the extra money, and if you want to spend more, you
have to pay $600 for the Musical Surroundings Phonomena II or $750 for the
Dynavector P75 MkII to hear significantly better.

There's a barely used one available here in the Audiogon Classifieds that's about half the list price.

If you score a SL1210 M5G for $450, an Ortofon 2M Blue ($199), and that used 640P ($89), you'll come in at about $730 and you'll hear those records better than you
thought possible.
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