2. analog
  3. 165999-152584

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
ericsch
750 posts
 
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. 
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,568 posts
 
You might consider a MoFi Studiodeck. A bit over $1K, but has received pretty good reviews.

But, if you want a really solid table that not much can phase it in terms of any vibration or movement, an old SOTA. But, a really nice one with an equally nice tone arm and cart will cost you at least $3K, unless you get really lucky. You could find an older SOTA table sans arm and cart for your budget though.
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
What's wrong with Rega? One word - rubber bands! A belt drive - even the expensive one's - lack the sheer momentum and drive in the bass easily achieved by most direct drives. 
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Don't forget that I also use a Linn Sondek but my direct drive TTs have a sense of solidity compared to the beguiling "airiness" of a good belt drive TT (Ariston, AR, Empire, Rek-O-Kut, Sony, Thorens, Yamaha). I own all these plus the Linn!
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
The cartridge is most vital for getting the most music out of those tiny grooves! That's why I have been using moving coils since the mid-70's. For the cheapskate the Denon 103 series (1962!) still reigns at the top! They are not fussy about set up and have a sense of musical "rightness" often lacking in far more expensive cartridges.
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