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Help me decide on first turntable purchase

This is my first turntable purchase. Last time I had a TT was when I was teenager in the 80's. I don't have much vinyl at all so I have to buy records as well. Budget is $3000, really don't want to go over that. I need a phono stage as well. My system is Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII, PrimaLuna EVO 400 integrated. My digital is a Innuos Zenith mkIII into a Chord Qutest. My initial thoughts on a couple tables were the Mofi Ultradeck, Music Hall 7.3 and Rega Planar 6. I am sorry but I just don't like the look of the Technics stuff. I am not a big fan of the Rega looks either but I know it gets great reviews. I was considering a Clear Audio Concept until I joined the Facebook owners group and hear about all the motor speed problems. Initial phone Pre I was looking at were the Mofi and KC Vibe. The Ultradeck seems very solid and seems to get great reviews.
Thank you for your thoughts. 
128x128jmphotography
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ml8764ag's avatar
ml8764ag
481 posts
 
Sorry ..have to disagree with above....avoid the exact cart...it almost ruined me for getting back into vinyl....There are much better choices for the money. I also got out of the rega turntable game because of inability to adjust tonearm height without 3rd party gizmos.

I do think the cart (and phono pre) is far more of a factor than the table

This is my experience and opinion...I may be wrong 😉


jmphotography's avatar
jmphotography OP
161 posts
 
@elliottbnewcombjr I am not certain, that is why I don't want to jump in at 5 to 7K. I don't have much vinyl, so we will see how it goes and if I like it and stay with it then I can upgrade in a few years. 

@cd318 sorry, just not a fan of the Technics look. My TT when I was a teenager was a Technics, but I just don't care for the look now. I don't dislike the Rega, but I prefer the styling of the Clearaudio and Music Hall Walnut. I like the Ultradeck though as well.
wturkey's avatar
wturkey
722 posts
 
Save some coin and try a U-Turn. They have units with built in phono stages. Will it be better than the other tables mentioned? No. Will you have it unboxed and playing records to a satisfactory degree in 15 minutes after unboxing? Yes. Resale is pretty good. If it turns out vinyl is not your thing, no big loss. 
tosicka
14 posts
 
Audio-Technica LP-7

Built in Phono MM+MC+ Facility for external
Stylus upgrade possible without having to buy new cartridge

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