Starter turntable?

Hi, apologies if this covers the same ground as other threads but I have a question specific to my setup. I have a large CD collection played mainly on a Naim CD-5i and Nait 5i setup. I am not looking to ditch my CDs but I have a few old LPs I wouldn’t mind playing and a friend just now gave me a deluxe edition vinyl release of Rush’s first album and I am curious to give it a spin. So I have 2 questions.

(1) what we be a fairly decent TT for a good price? What brands should I look for? This is new territory for me.
(2). Would a TT be compatible with the Nait 5i? Can I just connect it in the back and away I go?

Thanks!!

 

Project & Rega

 

I don't think the Naim Nait 5i has an on-board phono pre-amp. You'll need a turntable with one built-in or an external phono pre-amp unit.

You might consider an Audio-Technica AT-LP5 or AT-LP7 as both have built-in pre-amps and are good value. If you want to spend less, the AT-LP120 at $250 still has a lot going for it.

 

Thanks! Excuse my ignorance... I need a phono pre-amp because the sound coming from the TT won’t be loud enough? And the Nait can’t be cranked up enough to compensate?

 

Essentially correct but there's more to it than that. The phono pre-amp applies gain and also the proper RIAA equalization that is needed for vinyl.

Is there an input on the back of the amp that is labelled "Phono"? From pictures I found online, I don't see one.

 

Correct, there is no phono input. Thanks for your help!

 

You plug your phone premp into any of your amp's inputs, and voila´! Bummer most amps don't feature a built-in phono pre these days, although it's coming back, bigtime.

 

Technics SL1200 MK7
AT LP140
AT LP5
U-Turn Orbit Plus
Fluance RT85
Pioneer PLX 1000
These would be some options, some i'd prefer over others personally.

 

Rega P3.

 

If you're going for used, I'd look into getting a Japanese branded direct drive turntable from the likes of Technics, JVC, Micro Seiki, Sony, Denon, etc.

 

Or a vintage Pioneer.

 

AT-LP5 or AT-LP120 are good stater TTs for under $500 and both have built-in phono preamps.

 

1)Depends on your budget the new Schiit turntable looks to me a very nice starter if you can afford it
it have nice looks and i heard already good comments .
If you have a limited vinyl collection and not expand it go for a good second hand turntable.
2)I think you need a phono stage, or a turntable with a built in.

 

This. Easy to set-up and great sound. Alternatively a Planar 2.

 

Fluance RT81. All I needed to do was upgrade the stylus. Belt driven and removable headshell. A great deal for budget TT.

 

I would absolutely not consider the Schiit Sol a starter turntable. Too much setup involved, potentially touchy to even operate. Also, you can’t even buy one right now because Schiit has them on hold while some issues are worked out.

 

For those whose idea of a starter turntable is under $300, here is a detailed Buyer's Guide:

2019 Entry-Level Turntable Buyer's Guide

 

The RT81 does have the benefit of built-in phono stage, but if OP can spend more than its $250 price tag, I would definitely suggest the newer models (82-85) as they made major improvements over the older 80 and 81 models. Those do need a separate phono stage, which means budgeting even more for that (this is where I think a Schiit Mani may work out fine), but to me the better speed stability and supposedly better motor isolation (plus leveling feet) of the newer models would make it hard to settle for the RT80/81.

 

OP, do you have a budget for this?

 

Another option could be the Monolith turntable from Monoprice: Monolith by Monoprice Turntable with Audio-Technica AT100E Cartridge - Monoprice.com

It comes with an excellent cart and by all appearances looks like a rebranded Elac Miracord 50, which sells for much more. In the world of 'starter turntables' it seems like a real contender.

I don't disagree with any of the other suggestions here though.

 

It is manufactured by Ya Horng, just like the Elac, TEAC TN-300, Pioneer PL-30, Audio-Technica AT-LPW30 and LPW40, etc.

 

Interesting. Some of the pics show the AT95e cart and others show a green version of the AT100e (which is normally a red stylus).

 

I just bought an AR XB from a local record store with a new decent at cart for $250. Sounds great and was plug and play!

 

For some people, a starter turntable means a budget of $399. For others, it means a budget of $1600.

What is your budget? Without that as a guide there's no point in recommending anything.

 

FYE has em for $29

it's what the kids are buying to play 25 cent used vinyl on so they can be hip.