At this price, I would choose a used Technics 1200G, which is indestructible!
Need guidance on best turntable in the 3K-3.5K range
I'm looking to get back into analogue. I don't have many records, and I'm unwilling to spend tens of thousands of dollars on vinyl playback when my digital is so good and user friendly. Yet, I miss interacting with album art, and a turntable. My equipment budget is +/- $3500. Can anyone direct me to a high value great sounding product (table and cartridge) ?
I like 70s rock, classical- mostly Baroque, and some Electronica. I like it loud. My speakers are Maggie 3.7i and Bryston T-10 towers. Amps are ARC tube monos and Bryston 7Bsst2 monos.
I don't care if you own the one you like best or not- what I do care about is that your preference has specific qualifications that you find favorable.
Thanks for the advice!
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I have taken this advice literally! My Garrard 301 sits on 2 slabs of Sydney sandstone separated by constrained layer damping. About 40-kg of rock-solid. Have just bought two more slabs at A$40 each to go under my new Holbo Air-bearing table. This will be the third table I have owned in 60 years. Ultrasonic cleaners do not have to be that expensive. I paid under A$300 for a Chinese unit which works very well, if noisily, when used with the chemicals recommended by Neil A @antinn |
I really appreciate the VERY good advice you gents have given me. Strange thing: A buddy sold me a TT/Pre to "tide me over" for $800- a Pro-Ject X8 with a Sumiko Blue Point #3. He threw in about 50 records. He hated it- his subs made the tonearm bounce. He played maybe 2 albums on it and idled it. So, as many have advised I think a good Phono preamp is in order- maybe a used Ref 3, some good cabling, and then some careful critical listening. I have gotta tell ya, interacting with vinyl has been really lovely. My 14 year old son has really taken to the whole vinyl thing- and he's a modern digital kid with Axiom computer speakers and a sub. He LOVES the warm sound of an LP and loves digging around in the record crate. He exclaimed "The sleeves have the song's WORDS on them!" I'm pretty sure my initial budget (with the exception of the real deal on the X8) will go 3x. Oh well- I'm experiencing so much reward and gratitude interacting with the "art of vinyl" that the price isn't painful- yet. :) Again, I say "Thank You" for the generous advice. |
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