I suggest you consider one of the new versions of the Technics SL-1200, either the SL1200GR ($2,000) or the SL1200G ($4000). Either is well within your budget. Here are my reasons:
- Most of the records from the ’50s and ’60s were originally played on idler drive turntables, which, with their high torque, present a propulsive, immediate sound. The Technics DD turntables have a similar high-torque sound.
- Almost all LPs from the ’50s--and many from the ’60s--were in mono. The SL1200 series’ detachable headshell makes it very easy to switch from stereo to mono cartridge. In fact, I have a couple of stereo cartridges and a mono cartridge. Each one is mounted and aligned. When I change cartridges all I have to do is swap the carts’ headshells, zero out the balance and adjust the downforce.
I found that when playing the old style mono records, they often sound noisy with a sterero cartridge, but very quiet with a mono cartridge. The music has more impact and dynamics.
As for cartridges, for stereo I recommend the AudioTechnica AT150Sa, which has a Shibata stylus and sounds really good on modern mono reissues. The Shelter 201 is also good for vocals, rock, jazz, and pop. For mono, I have an AudioTechnica AT3MONO/LP, which is a high output moving coil cartridge with conical stylus. Sounds excellent for both vintage and modern reissue mono LPs. You can get it from LpGear for around $189 or on Amazon here for much less, which is what I did.
