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Entry level turntable for my son

Hello all, 
My 16 year old has the same audio sickness as me. He recently approached me about acquiring a turntable for his system. Any recommendations on the entry level stuff from Rega, project, music hall, etc? Should I stick with the newer stuff or look for an older model like a Planar 3 or a MMF-5? I still use my Linn LP 12,  but I hear the newer ones out there have some nice new features the older entry level stuff didn’t. I don’t think he will be looking to do any modifications in the near future, he just wants to spin some vinyl. 
Thanks in advance!
skipper320
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I think the venerable VPI Scout with the acrylic platter is a great sounding table.  Get one used and they are built like a tank and well, down the road put a Lyra Delos on it and you might be set for a long time.  Its a great combination.  The work very well together.
skipper320 OP
89 posts
 
The prices on the sl-1200’s seem to have climbed north of $500
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
The prices on the sl-1200’s seem to have climbed north of $500

On used market the price can be from $300 to $500 depends on condition, also depends how quick the seller would like to get rid of it. Some people taking offers. For top condition $500 is ok.  

glupson
7,842 posts
 
In case you do decide on Technics, do not forget to buy him oil. A few drops once a year and he is good to go. One little (they are really little) container of Technics-branded oil could last for decade or more but it is more likely he will lose it before he uses it all.
williewonka
3,174 posts
 
@skipper320 ...
Do you think it would be better to use an outboard phono pre amp or have them build it in?
Technically - I think the built in option would provide better sound quality than their outboard version because the tonearm wire would connect directly to the phono stage
  • eliminates the issue of selecting a "worthy cable" for that connection
  • but it limits future growth

Personally, I really like their onboard option - its great for a second turntable...
  • no fussing/expense of a second phono stage and TT-to-phono interconnect
  • I only want one to play "less than perfect" recordings to reduce wear on my existing cartridge, so "perfect sound quality" is not really necessary

For someone getting into vinyl - since it is their only TT...
  • the external option allows them to upgrade either the TT or phono stage as required - so that might be the best approach.
  • but others may want that simpler approach, which the internal option provides

I think U-Turn offers some very flexible, audiophile oriented options and configurations that could suit a lot of people from beginer to advanced.

I like it when a company like U-Turn comes out with products that cause "ripples" in the "normal pond"

Other established brands (too many to mention) could learn from them

Regards - Steve
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