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First "real" TT...

Hey all, I am looking at buying my first "real" TT, and I need some advice. I have a cheapo stanton str8-20 TT that I got at guitar center for $120 a couple years ago, just to play a few of my old man's records. I've recently found myself listening to it alot, and am starting to notice it's shortcomings. It has a Audio Technica "universal" $30 cart. So, as you can see, I have a pretty low-end setup. I'm looking for a new-to-me table and cartridge. Total budget: $500.
I've been looking at Pro-ject's Debut III, Rega Planar 1, various Thorens (used), technics 1200(used). I keep finding conflicting reviews of all these things, and honestly I don't know a damn thing about cartridges. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks, Nick
napalmblast
napalmblast OP
6 posts
 
Cerrot- ask your wife if she'll win that thing for me for $301! :)

Hifimaniac- Is the P-1 comparable to a music hall 2.2? there's one on audiogoN for 250, w/o a cartridge. I'm thinking that would work well, leaving me 200 or so for a cart. That's where I'm really not sure what I want....cartridges.
hifimaniac
507 posts
 
Napalmblast, I can't say if the Rega or the Music Hall is better as I haven't seen or heard or read much on the Music Hall. I do know the 2.2 is the newer model. Rega's are always easy to resell, there is an after market upgrade to the platter and bearing and you might be able to negotiate with this seller. Best of luck. Be sure to buy a good protractor to check your stylus and also a VTF scale.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
My take on this is well known here...save your pennies and get a brand-new, modded 1200 from KAB Electroacoustics and be done for a while. When fully modded it will be in the $5K performance.

With psychic power and primal intensity,
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
I've never had any luck with used gear on ebay. I think mint condition does mean the same thing it means here on Agon. Another vote for the Technics 1200 series.

Un-modified or KAB modded it's a great. A bit ugly but still a great performer. It has a removal headshell for easy cartridge setup. The counter weight is numbered and you won't need to buy a scale. Buying used gives you the opportunity to get a little better cartridge and stay in budget.

Good luck
wrat
32 posts
 
I say pro-ject the debut is a better starter then the rega p1
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