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"Beginner" audiophile Turntable for $200-$300?

I'm yet another "newbie" wanting to listen to my long-time stale album collection (primarily pop). I don't see myself being a tweaker, at least in the beginning - I just want a "plug & play" turntable, I suppose, for now. I just want to set it up and play my albums - but I do want the most accurate reproducibility of the information on my albums as I can get with $200-$300 (my budget, more or less).

It's the techie/perfectionist in me to make sure that I get a good deal (which means I can upgrade parts - rather than the whole thing...so that I could spread the costs across many paychecks ;-). This is how many of my other hobbies are (Ham Radio, PCs, etc.).

It would seem that if I only wanted "plug & play", and since I'm just a newbie in this, I would go with the less expensive Music Hall MMF-2.1 (which is NOT upgradeable). No one recommends the even less expensive Sony PS-LX350H (or anything from Sony) which is where I began my journey researching this topic. The MMF-2.1 seems to be THE entry-level/beginner audiophile turntable. But, based on reviews and posts, I'm worried about Music Hall's apparent lack of quality workmanship throughout; lack of a good manual (especially for a newbie that doesn't know how to properly setup a more "audiophile" like, manual turntable); and the fact that "just" another $100 (or so) would get me a much better sounding turntable (based on my research so far) that is at least somewhat upgradeable (NAD 533).

The reviews and posts on the NAD 533 are much better than for the MMF-2.1 - and I understand that the tone arm is "basically" a Rega RB-250. In deed, the entire turntable is OEM'd by Rega for NAD and is slightly different than a Rega P2. Based on reviews & posts, I also plan to upgrade to a better cartridge than the one that comes with the NAD 533 - but that's another $100! ARGGG!!!! Oh well, maybe later (I just want very good reproducibility - so I lean toward purchasing a new cartridge before I spend any effort on listening or transferring my album collection to CD - at least for in-car listening).

The VPI HW-19 Jr looks like the ultimate in upgradeability, especially in that it can be upgraded to a full-blown TNT Series 5! But, I cannot see paying $600/$650 (at the minimum, for a used one) right now.

So, I'm strongly leaning toward the NAD 533 for now!

I appreciate any suggestions/recommendations/feedback.

Thanks,

Wes
wlusk5fd8
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Can't go wrong with the MMF-2.1
Someone is selling two new ones on AudiogoN for $229.
They have decent resale value on eBay if you get the upgrade bug later.

But then, I am sure you'd also be happy with the NAD...
jimbo3
304 posts
 
For maximum bang for the buck, you'd have to look at used equipment. The Nad 533 would be a good choice along with a P2 or even a Technics SL-1200. All of these can be had for around $200 used and all can be tweeked. One of the members here (member name 'Psychicanimal') reports good success with various tweeks on the 1200.

Of course, as an investment, you'd rarely, if ever, get anything more for upgrades and tweeks when you go to sell, so be careful about spending a ton of dough on tweeking.

If it were me, I'd hold off and get a used P3 for around $400 because of resale considerations, then start saving up for a mid-priced table. It would be less expensive and more satisfying in the long run.

Regards
Jim
mattman
61 posts
 
I was in the same spot you are a couple of weeks ago. I was trying to decide between the mmf5 or the NAD533. At www.saturdayaudio.com they were running a special on the NAD533. I think it's about $360 plus shipping. I ended up with a Rega P2 and I'm very pleased with it. Have fun!
aisip
84 posts
 
Wait and save your money until you can afford the Rega Planar 3. You should be able to find a used one for 350-450 dollars. For its asking or used price, there is no better table. The Rega will give you a real sampling of what a real high-end turntable can do. All you need now is a good MC cartridge. AT OC9 is cheap and an excellent performer. Used Benz Gliders and Sumiko Blue Point Specials are also good bargains. Let me tell you that if you skimp now, you'll regret it later; because once you've heard how good analog is, you'll end up upgrading anyway.

Good Luck!
mwilson
430 posts
 
All good advice, but don't forget the phono stage / section... just like a poor cartridge, a mediocre phonostage can completely hide the highest talents of even the lowest of introductory audiophile 'tables.
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