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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: twoodruff on August 05, 2014, 05:22:11 PM
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ok, I want one, which one to get? what will I need to go from turntable to speaker?
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This is the one I have. It works perfectly for me. :)
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-LP60-Automatic-Driven-Turntable/dp/B002GYTPAE
It has a built-in phono amp and line out. If your receiver (like mine), has a built-in phono amp, you'd use that. If not, turn on the built-in phono amp and use any RCA input.
I think this is the more expensive version.
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-USB/dp/B002S1CJ2Q
I, personally, never had a need for that.
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Turntables run from $200-$100,000+
Also as noted above we'd need to know what the amp will be an if it has a phono preamp in it.
That being said, most people should be happy with an entry level turntable from either Pro-ject or Rega. $400 is going to get you plenty unless you have a really nice playback system behind it.
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This is a great place to start. Well regarded in vinyl forums and lots of options.
http://uturnaudio.com/ (http://uturnaudio.com/)
JAson
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I'm a Thorens guy, especially for what you can find the 160's for used but the Music Hall MMF's are nice as are the Rega decks. Either or can be found new or used for cheap money. I wouldn't be scared of a used deck, you'll need to learn how to set up a deck regardless new or used & that's the fun of it anyway. You'll need a phono amp, again, plenty of cheap options especially the Cambridge Audio stuff, I started with one of their cheap preamps (about $150 if I recall?) they're great quality, sound great & even with my current preamp costing almost ten times the price there isn't THAT much difference. Get into vinyl Trey, you obviously need another avenue to expand on your sluttieness ;)
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Do you want to buy new or vintage - I have a Lenco l75s and love it but you do have to typically tune vintage decks up a bit before using them (lube up, re-align, rebuild in some cases)
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This is the one I have. It works perfectly for me. :)
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-LP60-Automatic-Driven-Turntable/dp/B002GYTPAE
It has a built-in phono amp and line out. If your receiver (like mine), has a built-in phono amp, you'd use that. If not, turn on the built-in phono amp and use any RCA input.
I think this is the more expensive version.
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-USB/dp/B002S1CJ2Q
I, personally, never had a need for that.
I have an older model mcintosh
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Trey, does your Mac have a phono pre? If so I'd bet it's pretty good, the older integrated's generally have great phono preamps. My Sansuai has a really nice preamp. So in that case you'll need a turntable & some cables. Also get a scale to set your cart with, they sell electronic & mechanical, the electronics are cheap & worth it. You'll also need a protractor, you can buy or print one. Then just read read read, it's easy to do & really enjoyable setting up a table (IMO) Its not rocket science, don't get too anal with it & enjoy your vinyl. Next we talk about cleaning, clean, clean, clean! I made a turntable vacuum that was pretty cheap vs the VPI deal but that's a little excessive, you can go pretty far with just a brush & cleaner.
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I will throw in my .02 on getting a rega as your first table. I have gone from a rega p1 to a thorens td165 to a rega p3-24 which I currently own. All great tables. The thorens just takes a little more work to get setup and running. My view is to get you started on the best part of the hobby (spinning records immediately and becoming immersed) I would put my vote in on the rega rp-1.
Get ready to enjoy music on a whole different level!
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I have an rp-1, works great and sounds lovely. If you're looking for a good deal on used turntables check www.audiogon.com
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I just purchased a VPI Traveler and an iFi iPhono preamp a month ago. It was my housewarming present to myself for the new apartment in Abuja, Nigeria. I went with the Traveler because I can use it in the U.S. and abroad; it has a 110 / 220 power supply. So far, I really like it a lot. The iFi phono stage gives a ton of flexibility regarding choice of cartridge. Because I blew past my budget with all of the accessories, I went cheap for the cartridge. I started out with an AT95E but did not really like it too much. The stylus upgrade to the AT95SA has been a million times better. Will probably upgrade to a Soundsmith next year or something, but enjoying everything a lot right now.
The gotcha with all of this are the billion accessories that you need to get that can add significantly to the cost of everything. So far, I have also purchased a record cleaner (Spin Clean), brush, stylus cleaner, stylus brush, alignment grid, turntable mat, and two pairs of interconnects (TT > phono and phono > amplifier). I also want to get a cover, but cannot stomach spending $300 for a piece of acrylic. I found "Some Guy On The Internet" who can machine acrylic for $80 so I'm going to try measuring everything myself and hoping that it works.
I was really scared of buying used because I have read some horror stories, and because there is little that I can do from Nigeria to return everything. For that reason, I went with a demo model from Music Direct. They have been great to work with and the turntable arrived in perfect condition.
Do you have a budget in mind? That would help out a lot.
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Do you have a budget in mind? That would help out a lot.
$12 - $15?
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I'm a Thorens guy, especially for what you can find the 160's for used but the Music Hall MMF's are nice as are the Rega decks. Either or can be found new or used for cheap money. I wouldn't be scared of a used deck, you'll need to learn how to set up a deck regardless new or used & that's the fun of it anyway. You'll need a phono amp, again, plenty of cheap options especially the Cambridge Audio stuff, I started with one of their cheap preamps (about $150 if I recall?) they're great quality, sound great & even with my current preamp costing almost ten times the price there isn't THAT much difference. Get into vinyl Trey, you obviously need another avenue to expand on your sluttieness ;)
i have your old mcintosh, remember what is was?
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I'm a Thorens guy, especially for what you can find the 160's for used but the Music Hall MMF's are nice as are the Rega decks. Either or can be found new or used for cheap money. I wouldn't be scared of a used deck, you'll need to learn how to set up a deck regardless new or used & that's the fun of it anyway. You'll need a phono amp, again, plenty of cheap options especially the Cambridge Audio stuff, I started with one of their cheap preamps (about $150 if I recall?) they're great quality, sound great & even with my current preamp costing almost ten times the price there isn't THAT much difference. Get into vinyl Trey, you obviously need another avenue to expand on your sluttieness ;)
i have your old mcintosh, remember what is was?
Yikes, honestly I don't, I had a few different ones at that point which reminds me. I kind of miss those blue lights, I may need to find one again.
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I kind of miss those blue lights, I may need to find one again.
now that is funny (and true)
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Do you have a budget in mind? That would help out a lot.
$12 - $15?
Thousand or hundred? There are options at both points.
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I am in the same situation. Trying to figure out what to buy. I'm sick of my 400 mint albums sitting in my closet. Lot's of "half speed masters" , "Japanese pressings" and "Mobil fidelity's".
I haven't had a turntable in 10 years.
I wanted to spend about $500, but I guess I could go up to a grand.
Are any semi-automatic? I'm not a fan of getting off the couch when the album is done.
I have a Pioneer Elite SC-27. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/SC-25_OperatingInstructions0421.pdf (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/SC-25_OperatingInstructions0421.pdf)
The information I found on the PDF was:
One of the audio inputs (PHONO) is a dedicated turntable input which should not be
used for any other type of component. This input also has a grounding terminal that most turntables require.
Turntables only:
• If your turntable has a grounding wire, secure it to the
ground terminal on this receiver.
• If your turntable has line-level outputs (i.e., it has a
built-in phono pre-amp), connect it to the CD inputs
instead.
Is it better to get a lesser turntable and better stylus. Any input would be helpful.
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I am in the same situation. Trying to figure out what to buy. I'm sick of my 400 mint albums sitting in my closet. Lot's of "half speed masters" , "Japanese pressings" and "Mobil fidelity's".
I haven't had a turntable in 10 years.
I wanted to spend about $500, but I guess I could go up to a grand.
Are any semi-automatic? I'm not a fan of getting off the couch when the album is done.
I have a Pioneer Elite SC-27. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/SC-25_OperatingInstructions0421.pdf (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/SC-25_OperatingInstructions0421.pdf)
The information I found on the PDF was:
One of the audio inputs (PHONO) is a dedicated turntable input which should not be
used for any other type of component. This input also has a grounding terminal that most turntables require.
Turntables only:
• If your turntable has a grounding wire, secure it to the
ground terminal on this receiver.
• If your turntable has line-level outputs (i.e., it has a
built-in phono pre-amp), connect it to the CD inputs
instead.
Is it better to get a lesser turntable and better stylus. Any input would be helpful.
Here's the solution for end of lp : http://www.thequp.com/ (http://www.thequp.com/) Takes some adjustment, but works great.
Best to keep things in line. A high-end cartridge needs a better arm to shine through. There's plenty of great options at around $200. Above that bang for buck starts to slide unless the rest of the system can keep up.
JAson
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I am in the same situation. Trying to figure out what to buy. I'm sick of my 400 mint albums sitting in my closet. Lot's of "half speed masters" , "Japanese pressings" and "Mobil fidelity's".
I haven't had a turntable in 10 years.
I wanted to spend about $500, but I guess I could go up to a grand.
Are any semi-automatic? I'm not a fan of getting off the couch when the album is done.
I have a Pioneer Elite SC-27. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/SC-25_OperatingInstructions0421.pdf (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/SC-25_OperatingInstructions0421.pdf)
The information I found on the PDF was:
One of the audio inputs (PHONO) is a dedicated turntable input which should not be
used for any other type of component. This input also has a grounding terminal that most turntables require.
Turntables only:
• If your turntable has a grounding wire, secure it to the
ground terminal on this receiver.
• If your turntable has line-level outputs (i.e., it has a
built-in phono pre-amp), connect it to the CD inputs
instead.
Is it better to get a lesser turntable and better stylus. Any input would be helpful.
Another point to consider is the stylus, either MM or MC, more than likely your phono preamp only has enough gain for MM which is fine since there are plenty of choices out there. Jason is giving sound advice, you can easily find something in your targeted range of $500 & be happy. I'd still say a Rega, MMF or even a Thorens for a new choice while in the used market you can find VPI, Rega, Thorens, MMF or AR tables. Lots of options out there fortunately but it can be overwhelming like when you first started taping, it's still fun though & you can go as far as your budget or interest allow.
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Thanks the Q-Up looks like my answer for picking my needle up.
So should I trust a used nicer table or a lesser price new table?
I figure a new turntable will give me a choice of cartridges.
What Are you're preferred cartridges?
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Thanks the Q-Up looks like my answer for picking my needle up.
So should I trust a used nicer table or a lesser price new table?
I figure a new turntable will give me a choice of cartridges.
What Are you're preferred cartridges?
I'd go for a used nicer table personally, you'll need to learn how to set it up anyway so might as well jump in with both feet! I prefer MC carts but you need a lot of gain, I've had both, some modded, some unmodded but really start with something simple like an AT or Dennon so you can start to get a feel for what you're looking for. Both the AT's & Dennon's are popular with good resale so as you start to figure your way through this you won't get hurt, also you may just find exactly what you're looking for & never move again.
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From my specifications on my amp: (I assume that means only MM cartridge or an additional Phono preamp?)
Audio Section
Input (Sensitivity/Impedance)
PHONO MM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.2 mV/47 k
Ω
LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335 mV/47 k
Ω
Output (Level/Impedance)
REC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335 mV/2.2 k
Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF, short circuited, A network)
LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio [EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz)]
LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 dB
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From my specifications on my amp: (I assume that means only MM cartridge or an additional Phono preamp?)
Audio Section
Input (Sensitivity/Impedance)
PHONO MM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.2 mV/47 k
Ω
LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335 mV/47 k
Ω
Output (Level/Impedance)
REC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335 mV/2.2 k
Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF, short circuited, A network)
LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio [EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz)]
LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 dB
Yes, looks that way to me, it's not at all uncommon for there to be a phono preamp that supports MM only. MC requires higher gain & that's variable so some adjustment in the gain stage is required. MM is fine, there are some serious high end MM choices out there, there's no standard of one being better over the other. It's sort of like Schoeps vs Nuemann vs whatever, it's a personal preference. I'd start with a really nice used higher end table & start having fun with different cheap/basic carts, you'll go pretty far with your current phono stage before you need something better (higher end)
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Do you have a budget in mind? That would help out a lot.
$12 - $15?
Thousand or hundred? There are options at both points.
How about just $15?
Mine:
1963 Bogen-Presto B51 (rebadged Lenco B51) classroom deck, before:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/MokePics2/Bogen%20VP18%20-%20BP51/IMG_0134JPG.jpg)
After:
$15 deck + $75 stone stock, + elbow grease and conversion to heavy platter (platter and bearing from donor). I also added a second Lenco platter to the deck for mass and added "flywheel" rotational speed stability:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/MokePics2/Bogen%20VP18%20-%20BP51/IMG_1162JPG.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/MokePics2/Bogen%20VP18%20-%20BP51/IMG_1161JPG.jpg)
Because it was so cheap (not cheaply made, just bargain cheap), I added a nice modern arm, by Jelco. This is a 12" arm; better tracking via better geometry.
Minus the arm, and cartridge, I have less that $100 in the deck.
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^^^Nice job.
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I ended up with this turntable below. I haven't actually plugged it in yet. I decided my listening room needed a thorough cleaning first.
I bought it off http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-rega-rp40-turntable-with-m-m-cartridge-dust-cover-2014-07-26-analog-80503-longmont-co?show_listing=true (http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-rega-rp40-turntable-with-m-m-cartridge-dust-cover-2014-07-26-analog-80503-longmont-co?show_listing=true), locally. He had it since April. It looks brand new. $825
One question. The rca coming out of it is 3'-4' long. Can I extend it to say 6'-7' with nice couplers and some nice cables? I would just like to move it away from the sub and speakers.
Link just for reference:
http://www.dedicatedaudio.com/inc/sdetail/2647/37352 (http://www.dedicatedaudio.com/inc/sdetail/2647/37352)
(http://audiofi-net.zippykid.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/RegaRP40_1.png)
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Rega is offering a limited edition turntable based on the award winning RP3! The RP40 Anniversary Edition will be available in a limited quantity supplied on a first come first served basis and will be exclusively available during 2013 only. The RP40 will be supplied with a special edition white Elys40 cartridge, carefully tested to the highest achievable specification offering improved stereo imaging, balance and detail. A new Silicon drive belt exclusive to RP40 is manufactured on a new tool to guarantee a stable diameter over the full circumference of the belt offering improved speed stability whilst reducing flutter. A custom TT-PSU will be included which will be hand tuned to each individual motor before fitting to the deck. (a level of fine tuning only found on the RP8 and previously the Planar 9 turntable). This will maximise the efficiency of the anti-vibration circuit whilst still offering the convenience of electronic speed change.
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^^ She looks nice. ;D
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nice. Electronic speed control is a very good thing. Enjoy.
JAson
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Extending the RCA will not be a problem. Congrats on the turntable.
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Nice deck, congrats! She sure is pretty, let us know how it sounds
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Ok, I want an older one to compliment my mcintosh. Current budget is $500-$700. I like the look of the thorens tables and would be good with getting something I can later upgrade components of. I am not dead set on a thorens either.
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Ok, I want an older one to compliment my mcintosh. Current budget is $500-$700. I like the look of the thorens tables and would be good with getting something I can later upgrade components of. I am not dead set on a thorens either.
Couple nice '80s AR's on ebay right now for good prices. Would leave you some money for mods too. Sky's the limit on them. Strong modder community.
JAson
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Ok, I want an older one to compliment my mcintosh. Current budget is $500-$700. I like the look of the thorens tables and would be good with getting something I can later upgrade components of. I am not dead set on a thorens either.
I'm very happy with the sound of my Thorens TD160 with my McIntosh. TD160s can be found at a reasonable price.
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My McIntosh MC2505 doesn't have a phono stage. What is a good phono pre-amp to compliment it? I will be using a dual 1229 turntable and the budget is below $500
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Rega Fono mini is perfectly fine, small and in budget. I think bellari makes a tube amp in that range but I know nothing about it.
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I spin my records on a Thorens TD-160.
Very basic, very good. You can tweak them a lot too.
If you don't want to tweak and have enough $$ I would advice vinylnirvana.com
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Lehmann (sp?) black cube or an Acoustech Ph1 or premium. The later can be had for between 450 to 750 depending on whether it is the standard or premium model.
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There are a number of good sub-$300 phono pres. Among others and in addition to the aforementioned Rega Fono:
Cambridge Audio Azur 651P
Graham Slee Gram Amp 2
Musical Fidelity V90-LPS
Music Hall PA1.2
NAD PP 2e
Pro-Ject Phono Box S
What's nice about the Pro-Ject box is that if you have a finicky cartridge it has adjustable impedance and capacitance for loading. What's not so great is that it's via little DIP switches on the bottom of the unit.
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In a breaking news kind of a moment,…. this just in.
I grabbed this image from another forum. Apparently, UTurn Audio is going to release a preamp as well. Go guys!
According to the forum where I grabbed the image, no specs available yet.
(http://i.imgur.com/oc0V8TV.jpg)
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My McIntosh MC2505 doesn't have a phono stage. What is a good phono pre-amp to compliment it? I will be using a dual 1229 turntable and the budget is below $500
ifi iPhono. Costs $400 and can do both MC and MM, with variable impedance and gain. Sounds completely transparent.
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I was going to build my own phono pre amp - any good circuit diagrams (preferably transistor/fet based)
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Also Check out the Schiit Mani phono preamp (http://schiit.com/products/mani). American made.... fair price and getting good reviews on headfi.
(http://schiit.com/public/upload/general/Mani-main-1000.jpg)
(http://schiit.com/public/upload/general/Mani-bottom-1000.jpg)
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U-Turn Audio releases its new phono-stage, $89:
http://store.uturnaudio.com/products/pluto-phono-preamp
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thinking of going with the u-turn. is the acrylic platter a necessary upgrade or would my money be better spent on upgrading to that Grado Blue1 cartridge?
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Also Check out the Schiit Mani phono preamp (http://schiit.com/products/mani). American made.... fair price and getting good reviews on headfi.
(http://schiit.com/public/upload/general/Mani-main-1000.jpg)
(http://schiit.com/public/upload/general/Mani-bottom-1000.jpg)
Somehow, I've missed this one.
That actually has some really cool features.
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thinking of going with the u-turn. is the acrylic platter a necessary upgrade or would my money be better spent on upgrading to that Grado Blue1 cartridge?
Better cartridge will have much bigger impact on sound.
JAson
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As of now, I have not purchased anything yet. I have a mcintosh mc2505 that needs repair and a pair of 4 ohm speakers and an enormous record collection coming to me through a family member. I am looking for recommendations on a record player (I don't want to have to anything to make it play besides plug it in) (I have looked at rebuilt duals by Bill Neumann at fixmydual and I am interested in them but not set on the dual), a preamp, preferably tube with a good phono stage, something that will last a long time and has more than just the phone stage. Budget $1200
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Getting a tube preamp and a record player on your budget may be tough, as the tube preamps can run $1200 by themselves and getting one with an integrated phono stage may be outside of your budget if you still want a record player. Look on Audiogon and see if you can land a used Conrad-Johnson, Cary, or Audio Research, but you may be pushing $1200 even used for one with a phono stage. Going solid state for the preamp will definitely be cheaper and may be a better use of funds if you are on a budget.
I just bought a Rega RP1 with the Performance Pack for a bedroom system and I like it a lot. The turntable was a demo for $315 and the performance pack (which included an upgraded cartridge) was another demo for $150, making the total $465. Add in a set of cables and you are at $500. Perhaps you can budget something like $500 for a starter turntable (like a Rega RP1, a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC, or a Music Hall 2.2) and try to find a used solid-state preamp for the rest.
As a note, the packaging and the dealer said that setting up the RP1 would take two minutes, but it took me well over an hour, and I have some experience with setting up turntables. Installing and aligning the cartridge took some time, and the counterweight setting that Rega recommended was not accurate so I needed to fiddle with it myself. Now that I have it dialed in, it sounds very good.
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The Bellari tube pre is around $300, and well reviewed. Leaves enough for entry level table and pair of powered speakers or good cans.
JAson
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I am all fixed up, just need to have my mcintosh repaired now
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The Bellari tube pre is around $300, and well reviewed. Leaves enough for entry level table and pair of powered speakers or good cans.
JAson
Bellari is not a real tube pre. It's a hybrid with a tube buffer stage and solid state everything else. You can likely find hybrid models like the Bellari in the given price range but finding a full tube pre will be really difficult.
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I am all fixed up, just need to have my mcintosh repaired now
What'd ya get?
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I am all fixed up, just need to have my mcintosh repaired now
What'd ya get?
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=175846.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=175846.0)
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I am all fixed up, just need to have my mcintosh repaired now
What'd ya get?
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=175846.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=175846.0)
You bought Rays turntable ? or same model ?
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I am all fixed up, just need to have my mcintosh repaired now
What'd ya get?
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=175846.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=175846.0)
You bought Rays turntable ? or same model ?
I bought Ray's, above my budget but I'm excited. I bought a musical surroundings phonomena and a passive preamp to go with an Oppo 103 and a lucid d>a