I've been wanting to get a vinyl rig...

I recently moved and my turntable was damaged beyond repair.
I've recently become interested in vinyl more and more and was wondering if anyone has suggestions for a good, solid vinyl rig. I would like to transfer some of my old records and 45's to CD-R so should I get some type of phono pre-amp? Any suggestions for a good set-up?

 

How much are you willing to spend?

 

Nice catalogs are now out from Music Direct, Acoustic Sounds and Red Trumpet. Those are wonderful references. Still, that doesn't help much from a listening perspective.
Sadly, when you walk into most so called high end audio stores and ask them about turntables they often stare at you blindly. Chains probably won't be much help; look for your local indy stores and take some of your favorite vinyl with you when you go.

Good luck and enjoy!

Peace-
Norm

 

Vinyl rocks!

What is your price range??

 

Honestly, up to $400.

 

If you stretch your budget another $50, you can get a Rega Planar 2. That's what I'd shoot for. I assume that since your old turntable worked perfectly fine in your system before it was damaged, you won't need a new phono preamp. If you do, there are a few decent ones starting to pop up in the $150 range from Parasound and NAD and the like.

I know a few people will recommend Music Hall to you, and that'll work, too. Rega, however, has a better reliability record, and to my ears sounds just a wee bit better.

 

This is out of the suggested price range range, but I'll post anyway--Sota Moonbeam

 

Pro-ject should have something that falls within budget.
High value for money products.

http://www.sumikoaudio.net/project/index.htm

 

The Music Hall MMF-2.1 tuntable is also an excellent value http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=MHMMF2

 

Jared, MMF, Pro-ject, Rega, Goldring all make TT's in your price range. Along with the sites that Norm mentioned add Audio Advisor and Needle Doctor. Shop around and see what you find, lots of people here can give you advise on specific models.

Also, PM Prix, I think he sells MMF.

 

If you like the diy-aspect...

If you love to do-it-yourself and work at tweaking the most out of something...you may want to look into the vintage Thorens line. The TD-147 and TD-160 Super are near the upper range of your budget, and the TD-160 and TD-145 are solid performers in the low $200 range.

For all things Thorens, visit www.theanalogdept.com

Dave

 

Hope this isn't out of line - there is a MMF-7 recently listed on audiogon worth looking at for $450.00

MMF-7

I have no affliation with the seller.

 

Spend more than you can on a TT. Wait if you have to, push the limit. Get something worth while.

Maybe the Rega P2 and later, when you can afford it, get the arm upgraded.