@robertq,

This goes out to not only you, but to anyone else wanting to get their first turntable. I’d look at the under the radar, for first time turntable buyers the Technics Direct Drive Turntable - SL-100C. 

Unlike the Technics Direct Drive SL-1500C it does not come with a built in phono preamp. Which is actually a good thing. It lessens any chance of electrical cross-talk, and lets you use the money you’ve save from buying the SL-1500C on getting a much better stand alone outboard phono preamp which probably will be much better anyway than the internal one on the SL-1500C.

And an added bonus is you can upgrade to a better phono preamp at your leisure and convenience. What I like about it the most is it has not all but a lot of the trickle down engineering from the most expensive Technics turntables.

Although some don’t like the removable headshell, I like having that option for its simplicity and ease of use when changing and considering trying other cartridges and styli. You just have to have an original spare Technics headshell. Very cost and labor effective if you ask me. 

For the price/performance ratio and easy upgradeability to a better phono preamp, it’s a steal. And trust me, you’ll want to upgrade your phono preamp in the future. Can anyone say ’tube phono preamp’?

And the thing about Audio Technica turntables? Most, not all, look at Audio Technica turntables as ’copies’ of Technics turntables and don’t want a copy when you can get an/the original. Hope this helps.

 

 

 

Unless you really like the phono stage on your integrated amp (I'm unfamiliar with it), you should consider getting a quality outboard phono stage which will more than likely make a huge difference in sound quality over most onboard stages, and you will get the most out of your table and cartridge, especially if you opt for a moving coil.

The guys on here can help you with the gear questions. My only advice is to remember that if your total budget is $2500. I’d think an out the 3 components you need. Turntable, cartridge, phono amp with both MM and MC capabilities. Think about 60% on turntable, 15-25% on phono preamp and the rest on the cartridge. Personally I think the cartridge makes the most noticeable difference. Like you will notice a more expensive cartridge vs a more expensive turntable. You can get a nice turntable for under $1500 for sure and don’t hesitate to get used from reputable sellers on Audiogon and US Audiomart or places like The Music Room. I love the high output Hana MC cartridges and the VM series of the Audio Technica cartridges. Best of luck and welcome to the vinyl journey. 

Here's another vote for the Rega P3 RS (Rega Special) which I bought for my son. It's easy to set up and sounds great. If you spend a little more for the Groovetracer subplatter, you'll still be under your budget and get very close to the performance of the P6. Of course, the P6 is also a great buy for just a few $$ more. I'm a big fan of Technics and prefer arms with interchangeable headshells, but the arms on the 1500 and GR2 are not as good as the Rega arms. You have to go to the 1200G to get an arm that performs as well as Rega. The Rega arms confine you somewhat on cartridge selection (or using shims) but the new Rega pickups are great!

@robertq I hope what I'm about to write does not dissuade you from getting into vinyl!  When done right, the sound fidelity is outstanding!  However, upon reading "considering my first turntable" and "budget is 2K to 2.5K" what immediately jumped to mind is whether you are planning for accessories.  Getting the most out of vinyl is more than just purchasing a TT and some records.  There are some basic accessories to consider that are part & parcel of the whole medium (e.g.  record brush; stylus cleaner; record cleaning system - even new records should be washed before play; anti-static record sleeves; etc.).  None of these accessories have to cost an arm & a leg, unless you want to invest in an ultrasonic record cleaning system, but they will enhance your sound fidelity results.

That being said, I can vouch for the MoFi Ultradeck with Mastertracker cart.  I've had the MoFi for around 6 or 7 years, or so, and love it!  I demoed a Rega P3 with Ortofon 2M Blue and a Marantz TT-15S1 with ClearAudio Virtuoso MM that were both mighty impressive, as well.  However, after months of research, I ultimately dwindled my choices down to the MoFi and a Rega P6 with either an Ortofon 2M Black or Bronze.  Let conscious be you're guide!