Which turntable is better?


 I am considering my first turntable and having difficulty deciding between Technics 1500C, Audio Technica LP8X, Music Hall Stealth, Mofi Ultradeck or Rega Planer 6. My budget is 2K to 2.5K. I understand all the diferences in these tables as far as belt drive versus direct drive and semi automatic functions etc. but wanted to know from others experiences with these? I will probably upgrade cartridge from what is supplied. I don't have to have built in phono stage as my integrated, Unison Research Unico Due has one onboard.

robertq

You Phono input has an MM Phono and an optional MC setting.

Like my Luxman Integrated in my office, it has a single fixed 100 ohm impedance. If, when you try a LOMC low output moving coil, look for one with a coil impedance between 8-12 ohms.

I chose and highly recommend AT33PTG/II LOMC with a 10 ohm coil.

Eventually you might want a separate SUT Step Up Transformer with optional impedance settings, to continue to use you unit’s MM Phono input, or a separate more flexible MC Phono stage.

I chose this SUT, because it has 3 selectable inputs, PASS for MM, and 4 optional impedance settings (all options front selectable rather than rear switches or internal jumpers).

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11318

In my personal experience the  Mofi Ultradeck is the best balance of quality and value for the money spent. I am delighted with mine. My experience of the others is limited to showrooms and only mildly lengthy analyses of their, or my friend's personal, systems.

You will hear the benefit of a better cartridge on any decent TT, I recommend an advanced stylus shape, on boron cantilever like this one

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/at-vm745xml

You can use it on any future arm

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I like that the Technics 1500 does not look like a DJ table, but keeps the good features of platter and deck, has both removable headshell and height adjustable arm. I wish I had it’s auto-lift feature.

"aluminum die-cast platter with a resonance-defeating rubber backing, and two-layer chassis comprised of die-cast aluminum, ABS, and glass fiber. For added dampening, Technics also devised a spring and rubber insulator."

There is the possibility of setting it inside a wood base/surround, this is 2 years old, I haven’t looked lately.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/wood-surround-for-audio-technica-at120-technics-1200-and-technics-1210

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A less costly alternate to start, prove if you stick with Vinyl, is an Audio Technica AT120, I had one for years between my Thorens TD124 and current setup.

however, the current 120xusb TT has fixed arm height (like most Rega and Fluance models), earlier AT120usb models arms were height adjustable.

here’s one, returns accepted, optional warranty, from someone who seems to know how to ship

https://www.ebay.com/itm/397460937453?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=f9debb3c-f2f9-11f0-86c9-396334633736

 

For the absolute less fuss (i.e., not have to struggle with set up issues, fret over VTA, which headshell to buy, etc. that seem to consume many tt owners) and thus easiest, straight line to being able to just play music, I would go with a Rega Planar 3 (or 3 RS) with their bundled, new-ish ND5 cartridge. 

Thanks everyone for your responses. Still undecided. Looking at used Ultradeck at Skyfi audio. Anyone have experience with Skifi audio in New Jersey?