Possibly Looking for a Turntable/Cartridge Under $1000

@yogiboy The MoFi looks interesting. I found one review that speaks very highly of the StudioDeck, though I believe the cartridge is different. How much difference do cartridges make? Do they make more of a difference that the turntable itself? Forgive what may seem like very basic questions, but while I've had turntables before they were at the kiddie pool level (approx. $100 or less in 1982). I'll see if I can find more reviews.

@pindac I haven't considered selling my collection at all. Even though I haven't listened to it in years, my general philosophy is, not just with audio, why would I get rid of something that I paid good money for? I know it doesn't make sense. I can't explain it.

@vinylvin I just saw your post, so I haven't looked into the Technics yet. Is there an advantage of direct drive over belt drive, or are they just different? I know it used to be that DJs would prefer direct drive, as it was easier to spin records and mix on, but I'm assuming direct drive isn't just for DJs.

Thanks for the input.

Maybe I should have asked, what is it that a new buyer should look for in a turntable? What should they look for in a cartridge? I'm guessing that there is more to it than higher cost is better, because I'm sure that is not always true?

Also, what are the different price points for turn tables and cartridges, and what should one expect at each price point? When do you get to the point of diminishing returns? At what price point do you make the biggest jump in improvement?

Does that Hegel have a phono preamp?  If it doesn’t that Technics table includes a phono preamp so that would be a better choice. Direct drive has been around for over 50 years and were not originally produced for DJ use. And yes  IMO cartridges are as important as the table. With cartridges it’s all a matter of tonearm matching and what your taste is in sound!

I only recommend equipment I have personal experience with.

You need to get ’better than I had’ and then re-discover your vinyl, and you will either stick with it or not. I repeatedly recommend this TT for that.

Audio Technica, Direct Drive, USB and Bluetooth Version $500.

You enjoy digital, you will be able to digitize your collection, and perhaps go no further.

If you get hooked, then you research, acquire some inexpensive tools, save some money, and buy another TT, keep this as a spare, second system, or sell it used, it is not upgradable

The cartridge’s stylus is upgradable, you could change to this stylus in your budget.

It comes with this cartridge which tracks at 2.0 grams

ATVM95E, Elliptical Stylus can be upgraded

Shibata Stylus, $200. no re-alignment needed

and it has an industry standard replacable headshell so you can acquire an alternate cartridge or two in the future. Those can be used with any future TT if the tonearm allows removable headshells.

Changing Cartridges requires some tools and skills that I imagine you currently lack. Please tell us if I’m wrong, if you can mount and align cartridges, that makes a big difference.

.....................................

I enjoyed an early version of this AT120 TT (before USB/BT), for a few years between my former Vintage Classic Thorens TD124

and my current ’end of the era’ JVC Victor with 3 Tonearms. I got hooked and then some:

I’ve had idler drive, belt drive, and Direct Drive, I prefer Direct Drive, look for Quartz Locked.

Other TT’s, caution: always check the supplied cartridge, and it’s specifications, pay attention to the middle of the range of recommended tracking force, for many reasons I prefer and recommend light tracking.

The Fluance RT 85 would be my choice in an extreme budget turntable. I would upgrade the Ortofon 2M Blue(lacks extension bass/treble) to the Ortofon 2M Black to get near 100% potential out of the Fluance. Since you like the Hegel sound add a V10 phono stage to create a decent starting point. When tempted to upgrade only the Fluence would need to be replaced.