Turntable?

Watch the Rega factory tour videos on Analog Planet. Consider the probability of a future upgrade path. Good luck!

Of course Wolf is right.  $500 buys a lot of TT, even a Linn Basik, if the OP wants to consider used.  But a new entry level Linn costs way above the models I recommended at around $1500.

So its probably a good idea for the OP to advise if he is willing to get a used TT or is thinking strictly new.  Used will certainly get you more. 

"Hi finally getting a turn table!"

Do you have any experiance with TT's? I ask because some people can't take the ticks and pops because they only know digital.

Hi Brian -

Something to ask yourself when getting the TT is how interactive do you want to be with it.  Are you a get under the hood type.  If there were ever a component that invited endless tinkering, it is the turntable.  You can futz with just about everything if you set your mind to it and wind up spending much more than you ever set out to do.

If you are not the tinkering type, my first suggestion would be to not purchase an entry level or used turntable.  You will most likely not be too satisfied 6 months down the road.  You may be getting 80% of the experience that a well set-up TT gives you, but you will want more and you will start swapping out cartridges or something will break down, etc.

I started out with a used Denon direct drive TT from the 80's that cost me $175, whose motor just died one day.  Then I went with an entry level, belt drive TT that I just did not like ($400) and sold, purchased two used SONYs along the way ($600), that I liked a lot and which performed very well, but both started acting up and were too costly to fix.  Swapped a number of cartridges along the way.  And all of a sudden. I had acquired a hobby that was becoming as expensive as restoring an old Mustang.  

I would look for a package, like the Project Anniversary Classic ($1100).  A noticeable step-up up from entry level packages.   

http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Classic-Turntable_2?sc=2&category=352

And a phono preamp (these both complement the Classic nicely) 

Parasound Zphono ($250)

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAZPHOUSB

or

Schiit Mani ($130)

http://schiit.com/products/mani


Also find a dealer (in your city or on-line, like Needle Doctor) that you can talk to and trust.  Feel free to comment or ask more questions.


Rich 

I like vintage sound. Pioneer or Denon or Technics from the late 70’s for TT. For cartridge I like the FM radio broadcast sound of the Denon 110. For vinyl I would only by Japanese unless you are willing to risk quality