Need a Turntable and other stuff...

Hello Hoffman Forum Audio Hardware Fans:

OK...been using a old turntable & speakers from my college days. It's gone! Dead. Gone!

I need a new turntable. I CAN'T spend a lot. Is $200 to little? $300? More?

What should I buy? Used? New? I also need new speakers. New? Used? How much?

I want something that won't ruin my albums. I have about 600 albums and many are now...difficult or expensive to find.

Finally, if I buy used, what should I look for? Brand names? Price? Other things I would never think to look for on the TT.

I'm in the Detroit area. Any store you would recommend?

Can anyone help me get started? A would greatly appreciate your thoughts/imput.

PS: Please...keep it simple for me. I don't need the best...but I dont want the worst!

 

grab a used Rega RP-1 for $300

 

I was able to get a used Rega Planar 3 for $200. Regas are pretty durable so even a vintage table isn't too much of a risk. You should replace the cartridge and may need a new belt. An Ortofon 2M Red or Grado Green replacement cartridge are in the $100 price point and the belts are roughly $40.

If you prefer new, the Rega RP-1 and Project Carbob Debut are in the $400 - $450 range.

 

I suggest buying a used turntable and a new cartridge with priority going to the latter.

Happy hunting

 

Starting at $179, including cartridge, and made right here in the Boston area:
http://uturnaudio.com/




Michael Fremer gives it a thumbs up:

 

Man they need a better logo

 

What kind of receiver/amp are you running....need that info to help you pick speakers.

 

You don't like the U-Turn logo...? I think it's kind of hip.

 

I think this is the answer.

Thanks. Shawn.

 

These are really nice. Maybe this would work? The price is right and the review is positive.

I like that it's made here. USA. Hummmmmmmmmm....

Thank you for posting this.

 

FWIW, I ordered one for myself (out of curiosity mainly, I need another turntable like I need another hole in my head), and I should be receiving mine in about 2 weeks. I'll post my review once I've had a chance to evaluate it!

I've read nearly unanimous praise for this new company's product. Tone Audio also liked it.

 

That's great. Thank you. I'm have fun checking out all these players.

And scaring my wife with the prices.

 

There are no good logos in hi-fi.

 

Just sticking a post in here so when the day comes that I can put a little system in a bedroom, I will most likely consider one of these.
Thanks!

 

For the budget mentioned I'd either go with the U-Turn option or throw myself to the vagaries of the used/CL/Kijiji market. If the latter it just comes down to patience and luck. Tables I've acquired for less than $200: Technics SP-15/ATP-12T, Braun PS-500, Dual 1219.... and many more. For around $300: Thorens TD-125, Rek-O-Kut B-12H. None of them will damage your LPs and all have the potential to sound very good.

 

Definitely prefer a sonic signature. I think Meridian's acceptable.

 

And I was half making a joke. There are some that are fine, but something about an awkward logo makes you really believe an engineer had all the control. It is kinda like eating barbeque in a small town. You want to one with the most provencial sign.

 

No problem Shawn... if i can help let me know, I get them in all the time

 

I got my Realistic LAB-440 on Craigslist for $50. I think I got a steal. The new U-turn tables look damn compelling. Please post in the "Listening on Vinyl" thread in "Long and Winding". We have a lot of fun there.