Entry level turntable recommendations

I'd hoping to buy a turntable within the next month or 2. I've mainly been looking at the U Turn Orbit Custom (built-in preamp, cue lever, Ortofon 2M Red or OM5e). I'm also considering the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC or the Rega Planar 1. The latter 2 will cost at least $100 to $200 more than the Orbit since I need a phono preamp. I have a pair of Audioengine HD6 speakers.

Regarding anti-skating - I think these 3 tables all use different methods. Orbit has a spring, Pro-Ject has a string and weight, and I think the Rega is magnetic. Is one preferable?

For some reason I'm drawn to the Rega, but I'm kind of baffled that a $475 turntable comes standard with a conical stylus. After buying a separate preamp and upgraded cartridge I'm looking at a turntable that cost as much as my speakers.

Price range is $400-$600 (including all upgrades and accessories), but I'd like to stay at the lower end of that if it makes sense.

What would you recommend?

 

Also have looked at the NAD C556 quite a bit. From what I understand it is a rebranded Rega RP1?

 

First, why do you want a turntable? Second, are you the type who always has the upgrade itch?

 

There's so much trouble with the Rega RP1 arm, skipping and antiskate mismatch, and poor/no support for that, that I would strike that off your list.

 

I've always liked records - the artwork, the ritualistic aspect of it, the idea of all-analog sound. I've always avoided it though because of the cost of the hobby.

I like to think I don't have the upgrade itch, but I think I may.. at least a little bit.. But since my speakers are fairly new, I think it would be a long time before I seriously considered upgrading anything else in my system after buying this turntsble.

 

I'd consider a music hall 2.2.

 

I think the customer gets a lot for the money with the U Turn Orbit. It's calibrated and balanced for the customer from the factory, which is in Boston. 2 Year warranty and attentive service staff from what I hear. Specs are good. One can customize the aesthetics a bit.

I am utilizing both the Ortofon 2M Red on my Technics and the Ortofon OM 5e on my DUAL. I like the sound of both very much. I've owned a few Grados, and recall being underwhelmed by the Presitge Black IIRC.

In fact I just finished spinning Carly Simon's ANTICIPATION lp on the Technics, and it really sounded SWEET!

Both carts can be upgraded easily by exchanging the stylus. The 2M Blue cart is significantly higher $$, and only you can answer if worth the extra cost over the Red. Myself, I'm happy with the Red.

I have never owned a true manual turntable. Only automatics or semi-automatics, and for me, if I was in the market to buy, I'd place moderate consideration the the features that would at lease lift the arm and shut the platter off at record's end.

Just a Gramps' input. Happy shopping.....

GT

ps: BTW, I love your handle "Grateful Ed"......

 

It sounds like you simply want to enjoy the process of the format. If that's the case, something like the U-turn orbit is great. If you want sound that's superior to streaming and CD's, then I suggest you reconsider or alter the budget significantly. Starting out in the entry-level can be a slippery slope if sound quality is your ultimate goal.

That said, I would pick the U-turn hands down. I've read countless comments regarding quality issues with the others.

U-turn appears to have great customer service, which is invaluable with any turntable purchase.

 

I would buy a used Technics.

 

Have you looked at this recent post on SHF? In your budget and 3 pages of recommendations already.

Whats a good Turntable for around $500?

Best sir,

Bob

 

If it were me. I'd try the U-turn. You can always upgrade later.

 

A recommendation from our friend at Jeff @ ToneAudio: a dual TT is a nice old school unit. See Jeffs article & call Bill at fixmydual.com for a package on a 1219 & stop there.

Dual 1219 Turntable – Old School | TONEAudio MAGAZINE

Best Sir,

Bob

 

I'd go for the U-Turn, their customer service and return policy is very generous, I don't really think you can go wrong with the table and options they provide at the price either. In case vinyl doesn't turn out to be your thing (it certainly isn't for everyone) you can return the table no questions asked.

Avoid Rega's entry level stuff.

 

I actually saw that post shortly after I create this one, but figured I'd leave it up to see if I got any fresh ideas

 

You say you need a phono preamp, and it is an important part of the sound... for that, perhaps look into the Schiit Mani, which is relatively cheap ($129) but apparently crazy-good in its price class.

The U-Turn's phono-preamp option (the Pluto) is cheaper, but I'm not sure it's quite in the same league... I'll let others with more experience with both/either weigh in on that.
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Enjoying the format is definitely a good assessment, but sound quality is also a high priority. I intend to only buy high quality, well-mastered records. Given that the HD6 speakers will likely be my main speakers for at least a few years do you think it makes sense to go further than the U-Turn With an upgraded cartridge right now? Does buying a $1000 turntable for $750 amp/speakers combo make sense?

 

How is the cartridge that come standard on that? I think its their Magic cart

 

Thanks for the input, Gramps. Would you say the 2M Red is worth an extra $40 over the OM5E? Could you elaborate on the differences between them? It seems the OM can be upgraded for less money in the future with any OM stylus

 

That's hard to say, the description says it's the MH Tracker, which is the sames as an OEM cartridge used by a number of manufacturers also known as the 'Red Ed". Goldring also rebadged it as the "electra" But the picture shows an Ortofon design which, as far as I can tell, is basically an OM10 and which can be upgraded easily to an OM20. If it's the Ortofon/Magic, I'd definitely go for it. If it's the Tracker/Electra, still not a bad buy. I had one of the non-name red ed versions for a buit but I bought it for a table I was selling so only listened for a few hours, but it was a well-balanced cart, however the upgrade path stops there unlike the Magic/Ortofon which can take any OM stylus up the line (OM20-40).

 

Technics SL-1200 They Cost $450-600 in NYC.

 

The good news is you won't go wrong with any of your choices.

If it were my money I'd buy the U-turn. The only upgrade I'd consider would be maybe the first step-up cartridge. I wouldn't get the integrated phono pre as I don't need it and would rather have the flexibility of adding my own later. For you - the integrated pre may offer a great deal of value. If you like a clean look it will be better than having some external box.

How are you planning to switch inputs to your powered speakers? Do you have some kind of passive switch or something?

 

Just as addendum to the OP, a few ppl report hum issues with the Mani. So, that's something to look into.

Schiit does have a 15-day return policy, however. So, you're not stuck with it if it somehow doesn't play nice with your system, or vice-versa.
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The space I have is pretty slim (may even have to leave the dust cover off) so anything bulky like the SL1200 probably won't work for my setup right now. A friend of mine used to have an MkII and swore by it

 

So you think the Ortofon OM5e and not the 2M Red? The HD6 does not have a phono input. The U-Turn Pluto preamp seems to have pretty good specs for only an additional $79

 

Used 90s Rega P3 with the purple elys cart and a used Rega Fono mini.... should be doable for $600... sl1200 is good too... old rega p2 is a good budget option.... dont buy a debut carbon...hummmm.... plenty disagree but i reckon the carbons arm particularly arm base is flimsy and its not got much of an upgrade path compared to the P3.