1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 196083-204098

Possibly Looking for a Turntable/Cartridge Under $1000

I'm getting back into audio and trying to decide if I want to include a turntable and cartridge too. While I have collection of about 300+ LPs and EPs, for the most part I'm a digital guy at heart. All of my vinyl is over 30 years old. Once I heard the dynamics of CDs I never went back to vinyl and only did tapes in the car.

Of course vinyl overall fell out of favor for a while, but has since made a come back. I never understood the attraction to vinyl given the dynamics and headroom available with digital music. However, in getting back into audio I had a thought, that maybe I didn't see the appeal of vinyl because I've never had anything thing more than an entry level turntable.

My current system for 2-channel is Martin Logan SL3s, a Hegel P20 preamp, and currently I'm using an amp based on the Purifi EVAL1 Stereo 1ET400A module, though the amp could change later if I can swing a Hegel H30a.

I know my budget of $1000 is not high end level, but it's a little better than entry level. Given my setup, would a turntable/cartridge in the $1000 ballpark give me anything more in terms of sonic refinement and dynamics over an entry level turntable?

Thanks in advance.

 

mcraghead
dayglow
2,445 posts
 

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.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,744 posts
 

I strongly advise you to thoroughly scrub your old vinyl. It made a huge difference in listenability and enjoyment of my oldest/dirtiest/coolest content. Set up so you can whistle while you work, do batches of 10

$55. the cleaning tank and drying rack

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MP88FX6/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07MP88FX6&pd_rd_w=bS1b8&content-id=amzn1.sym.386c274b-4bfe-4421-9052-a1a56db557ab&pf_rd_p=386c274b-4bfe-4421-9052-a1a56db557ab&pf_rd_r=NHVJDM9K0FRJ4VD5F9NR&pd_rd_wg=jkLkN&pd_rd_r=d88a8445-fee1-4a2f-9bab-ddd05368f843&s=electronics&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM

$10. baby scalp scrub brushes, set of 3

https://www.amazon.com/Scalp-Scrubbie-Sterile-Cradle-Sponge/dp/B005EJ7YH4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1BL1Y4LMHH16K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6wYccsJXCZ1Ezmiyx0LsZoTh5epi_GQk7K8B06w4HvjT0sW-2loJkOWC7VEfR1bFDzDjriqleq3I-wsRtYDf8h10lHEbRcgV_CbyhE3myM-ccwZ7Qmq1ySQWnS9HWeSvRwn2DGmurYdL_1EHIj00etbJeutPxeodeweeDGKUG7bk_V-p1Vq_NBiBPyT6WSACwsrgNNahkIlTF-SbsLsTum3M2lZPG-opnFw4MxOKR7Q-tL_jw5mRkYk1m-X9oWNb4TbPeIKAa5EWkD0RtAPglTO5a0aQ6kWFezumthXhrRc.N2JffjJCYvpfNoGqj7DOegRTxLfCJLSNZq8UsTahiJ8&dib_tag=se&keywords=baby+scalp+brush&qid=1760717242&sprefix=baby+scalp+brush%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1&smid=A2W58AXSS61W30

I make a stronger mix, add alcohol to their mix, a few drops of jet dry spot eliminator, a hand spray bottle, a lid from Chinese soup to protect the paper label, manually and vigorously scrubb, and use the tank with distilled water for rinse only, dangle droip dry, a quick wipe with lint free towel, in the rack to dry.

I use an Audio Technica stabilizer weight, this $15. one has a level built into it

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vinyl-Record-Weight-Clamp-Aluminum-Turntable-Disc-Stabilizer-for-LP-Player-V7/17392400541?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=102717478

vinylvin
163 posts
 

I've had numerous Belt & Direct Drive since the 70s. I've liked both. People have their opinions for each, it's been beaten to death.

Post removed 
billstevenson
1,186 posts
 

Only you can decide what your best option is.  I can tell you that if you spend $1K you are going to have a vinyl playback system that does not sound as good as any decent digital playback system will that I can think of.  Were I you, the first thing would be to evaluate the record collection as follows:  How interesting is the music that is on those records?  What condition are the records in?  Do they need to be properly cleaned?  The answer to that question is most likely yes.  What are the options there?  Do I clean them myself or have them cleaned professionally?  What will that cost?  Clean records sound good, dirty or scratched records sound like crap.  The old Discwasher will not cut it.  It all gets down to time and money.  A vinyl record that cost $4-$5 in 1980 something costs $40+ now, whereas the CD version of that same record costs less than $20 today.  Streaming costs $20/month.  A good CD system will sound slightly better but costs more.  A good vinyl playback system will sound better yet, but costs substantially more.  It is your money and your life.  You have to make a life choice here.  Like I said, only you can decide what is best for you.

More to discover