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Entry Level Turntable?

Hello,

I'm fairly new to the audio world, been experimenting a bunch with different speakers, amps and pre-amps. I'd like to try some true analog sound by getting a decent turntable and some records. Could anyone recommend a nice entry level turntable that will give adequate performance? I don't want to spend too much, let's say a budget in the $100-$300 price range.

Also, I'm 30 years old, so have never really heard a good analog system. Is this something I should really worth trying? Or do people mostly like the analog sound because that's what they grew up hearing?

Current setup:
Integra Research RDC-7 Pre-Amp/Processor
Parasound HCA-1205A 5 channel amp (center & rears)
Adcom GFA-565 Monoblocks for mains
Kef XQ5 main speakers
Kef XQ2C center channel

Thanks!
Chris
128x128cjwessing
heyitsmedusty's avatar
heyitsmedusty
227 posts
 
I think you should also take the "analog sounds better" advice with a grain of salt. It DOES sound better, but only in certain respects until you get up into the big bucks stuff.

The inherent smoothness of the analog sound will shine through even in a modest setup (see: mine), which is one of the "better" qualities, but there are things like crystalline low-level detail and perfect sibilants that you won't find until you spend much more (see: other people's setups).

For the money you're looking to spend, you could get a pretty decent used DAC that in my opinion would get you closer to the kinds of sounds you're looking for than you could get with the same money sunk into analog.

Let the browbeating begin.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,305 posts
 
you really should spend a bit more to get good vinyl sound.

"Or do people mostly like the analog sound because that's what they grew up hearing?" ???

of course not but you may be disappointed unless you get a decent rig - do you really want to start to collect vinyl?

I have many records so it makes sense for me but I really prefer my TT to my CD player. It is not even close usually but sometimes a bad recording is ill defined and I would rather hear a good sounding CD.
rufipennis
118 posts
 
There's a credible argument that the direct drive Japanese turntables from the 70s and 80s are better than anything new up to $1K, maybe 2K. Check out Technics or Kenwood on eBay - you should be able to get something decent at your price point tho' you'll have to also think about a cartridge. You can actually still get a new Technics at kabusa.com for about $600. Then put the thing on a Jon Risch sandbox (search the archives at audioasylum). I did this tweak with some scrap trim lumber and a $5 bag of sand - it really works.
rod1957
35 posts
 
You're a perfect candidate for an used Technics SL-1200mk2, or an SL-1800mk2 that regularly show up on the Bay. Great tables with excellent upgrade paths.
eslaudio
118 posts
 
I second the used Technics SL-1200mk2 (or any of the 1200 series Technics). Pair it with one of the low cost cartridges sold through kabusa.com and you'll be good to go for between $3-400.
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