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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
elliottbnewcombjr
7,736 posts
 

here's another used AT160ML auction about to end

Here’s an opportunity to take a chance on a used AT160ML MM Cartridge with MicroLine Stylus on Beryllium Cantilever, in an AT Magnesium Headshell that provides both Azimuth adjustment and ’concealed’ overhang adjustment.

This is my preferred cartridge, for it's sound, imaging, and light 1.25g tracking.

https://auc.aleado.com/yahoo/lot?auctionID=v1204216654#enlargeimg

You need an account with Aleado, a bidding agent, enough verified funds in your account to cover your bid, and then there are many small add on charges, double shipping (seller ships in Japan to Aleado who verifies the item) (Aleado gives you alternate methods/costs to choose to ship to you).

Even with the add-ons, I have done well for about half a dozen items this way.

I do not know this seller. Shipping to USA will resume, 15% tariffs added/billed later on the net winning cost of the item, no tarrifs on the add-on charges. 

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

I like Boron if buying new, and I see they still sell 3 VMN Boron Stylii that fit these older AT150, AT155, AT160; AT440 bodies 

AT-VMN45xML (microlinear/nude/boron cantilever)
AT-VMN50xSH (Shibata/nude/boron cantilever)
AT-VMN60xSL (special line contact/nude/boron cantilever)

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/support/which-stylus-can-i-use-to-replace-my-discontinued-model?srsltid=AfmBOoqmY8LH9JfjLmVnMHaK7edGe8NmiyTNluGGDkQDaGLFGN74nzzh

mcraghead OP
36 posts
 

Thank you for all of the suggestions. It gives me quite a lot to think about. Still not sure what I'm going to do at this point. It seems that it takes quite a bit of money to get into vinyl in a meaningful way, rather than just get a turntable.

johnto
1,127 posts
 

U-Turn makes some well reviewed great tt well within your price range. I would personally be looking gently used.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,736 posts
 

20 minutes left, anyone bidding?

fa8362
23 posts
 

@ghdprentice 

"Nothing wrong with my vinyl leg"

I'd say there's plenty wrong with it if it can't beat your digital.

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