paraneer+1 Buy a new turntable.This looks like a nice inexpensive phono preamp! https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-preamps/pro-ject-phono-box-mmmc-phono-preamp |
A Pioneer PLX will wipe the floor with any of the budget Regas, MHs or Pro-Jects, even if it is possibly (no definitive proof) made by Hanpin. Whenever I see this question, I usually recommend getting a table in the > $1200 range. $1200 because that's where turntables almost universally offer precision machined parts and good sonic performance. The plinths and platters are heavier and better damped, the bearings are higher quality, and motors are typically quiet in this range. If you only want to adopt the medium for playing a dozen reissues of your favorite albums and the hipster factor, (like many kids are doing) then you'll do fine with something like a U-turn Orbit. Anything less is basically a toy. The "rabbit hole" often begins when one is looking for better sound quality than what CDs offer. The common misconception among many folks who are just beginning with this medium is that it's interently better than digital. In the case of some recordings, that can be true. However, analog rigs that sound better than CD playback in terms of dynamics tend to cost thousands. If your goal is to simply get some analog "warmth," (with analog sourced pressings) it can be achieved with budget rigs, but I wouldn't expect any jaw dropping experience in terms of other sonic parameters. It can also be a "rabbit hole" if you're someone who always looks for the weak links in your system. |
Thanks everyone looks like I'll have to save a while longer and up my budget a lil to achieve what I'm after. I have Krell system with Tyler Acoustic Decade speakers which is very revealing so I'd have to get a run of the mill TT and be disappointed so I'll just save more and look into a 1200-1800 budget. As far as a phono stage what do you guys recommend? |
While saving for the right TT, spend some time researching pnonostages regarding the amount of gain provided and cartridge loading parameters. Systems differ in the gain provided post cartridge and phonostage and cartridges vary in gain provided and electrical load requirements. Many threads available on this forum refer to these characters. |
For a first rig, if possible, I'd try to get a VPI Scout Jr. One can be on sale for around the $1000. For a versatile phono preamp, I'd go with the Lehman Audio Black Cube for around $400. That will serve you well for a while. The dealer I work with loves this combo, so feel free to message me if you'd like to get in touch with him. It's a great value in my opinion. Best of luck. |
