Looking for a turntable around $1k...


I don’t and won’t have tons of $ to throw into an analog set up. I’m primarily digital and CD but I still have enough recordings that are vinyl only as well as others of sentimental value that I listen to regularly enough  that I can justify getting a decent turntable, at least at the price point I set. I know that some people have expensive opinions about turntables, but I can’t go there. 

My listening set up is a Schiit Mani phono preamp, a Decware Torii MkIV amplifier, and Omega 6.5” Alnico Junior XRS speakers if that all matters.

I’ve been using a Technics AT-LP120 for years and I have come to hate it. The tone arm is floppy and it has become pretty much impossible to lower the needle without it bouncing off the record. If someone down the block sneezes, the record skips. No matter where I place the table. Everything about it has gotten worse and I fear that the turntable is damaging my records at this point.

I’ve been considering the Rega Planar 3 but do I even need that?

Is there a sleeper turntable around $1k that I don’t know about?

Could I just get by with a Planar 1 or 2 given that vinyl is what I listen to 3rd most behind HD streaming and CD?





pip_helix
Pioneer PLX 1000 for $700 + free shipping from various online retailers! Add a good cartridge and you will have a TT setup that compares well with far more expensive ones! A $90 Grado is good to start with. I use a Denon 103R mc cartridge ($300) on mine. I also own over a dozen turntables - including a Linn Sondek. I became curious after reading Herb Reichert's review some years ago in Stereophile. The PLX 1000 is a Technics 1200 copy for a fraction of the price. It is still excellent and affordable for many. And sounds a lot better than any Rega!
The PLX 1000 is a Technics 1200 copy for a fraction of the price. It is still excellent and affordable for many. And sounds a lot better than any Rega!


Hmmm.....I haven’t heard of the PLX 1000 before. Seems interesting. What’s the problem with Rega? All of my reading lead me to the Planar 3 but I’m interested in a dissenting opinion!
Clearaudio Concept or Marantz TT 15-S1 are what I would get.



Alas, those are pushing $2k new which is double my budget. 
If you want the Planer 3 get it with an Exact II cartridge. You will probably be disappointed with the Ortofon Red and no spacers are required.