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Vinyl somehow has piqued my interest.

I never ventured into the world of vinyl personally. At 52 I have gone from cassettee to cd and end at streaming... and I am starting to miss actual media in hand, thus my interest in getting a cd  transport, and now vinyl has made its way into my interest. Maybe because of the nostalgia of it - much like CD - a time in history that I don't want to disappear into the ether and be forgotten.

With that said - I would like to dive in - and get a vinyl player - but I have NO idea where to start and what brands to focus on -  that would also include tonearms and cartridges. I could hit up chatgpt - but what fun is that... 

I know a few brands that seem to put out decent products that I would probably be happy with - given my current system - which I will be migrating to a 2ch system this year but for now I have what I have: 

marantz 7704 preamp
b&w cdm9nt towers
cambridge mxn10 and dac200m
kimber 8tc speaker cables

I would like to get some recommendations for a 'decent' vinyl transport. Nothing crazy expensive. I am talking less than 1k to 2k all in... that means player, cartridge, tonearm etc... much less if that is possible.

Just something I can listen to and it doesn't suck. So really the only restricitions I have are budget, and placement of gear -- has  to go in a cabinet with the rest of my gear -- I no way to display it on a top shelf of some furniture etc... 

Is there a sonic difference between them?  Everying in audio seems to have its own character - so is it the tonearm and cartridge that 'matter' more than the thing that spins round and round? :)

Technics, Rega, Fluance, Music Hall, Pro-ject -- I am sure I am missing a lot on this list... 

Is there a sleeper that punches way above its price point?

Thanks in advance.

lightfighter2018
pindac's avatar
pindac
3,941 posts
 

I suggest making known approximate where you live and see if a Member who has a selection of Sources in use, especially a Vinyl Source, is willing to entertain you through giving demo's. 

Hopefully there as a Vinyl Album and CD / File available to be compared?

Such a method will cost a Bottle Of Wine, which is much cheaper that buying a Vinyl Source to make the decision if it is for you. 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,776 posts
 

you can save money or get more used, but

local, to listen/verify, avoid risk and cost of shipping a TT, is another reason we want to know where you live ______?

do you have a friend with cartridge alignment skills? If not, you will want pre-mounted, factory aligned

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

Starter TT: I recommend this Audio-Technica TT with factory aligned cartridge with a removable stylus that can be upgraded without any concerns for mounting and alignment. It has a built-in optional Phono EQ that get's you listening/learning. It is plenty good enough to discover how much you will get into Vinyl.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XUSB-BK-Direct-Drive-AT-VMN95EBK-Replacement/dp/B0CTKRZ6BY/ref=sr_1_3?sr=8-3

1. use provided elliptical stylus for a while, 

2. upgrade stylus to MicroLine, you will hear/enjoy the differences 

3. now, you will be able to make better choices for a better ....

4. sell or keep as a spare or second system

 

 

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,482 posts
 

Given your placement restrictions, current equipment, and casual commitment, a Fluance would probably do what you require for the moment. Spring for an RT85 with the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. 

Edit: Elliott’s recommendation above works too.

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