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Goldring GR-1.2, NAD 533 -- any difference?

Hi. Newbie question. I am interested in getting into vinyl and am looking for an entry level turntable that's easy to set up. Two budget turntables that I have heard good things about are the NAD 533 and the Goldring GR-1.2. They are both, I understand Rega P2 clones. However, the NAD lists for $100 more than the Goldring. Is there a difference that justifies the higher price of the NAD?
(The records I have are mostly rock and classical. Some Jazz too. My amp is the Rotel 1062 integrated, which has a phono stage).
mbrooker
pabelson
344 posts
 
I've not laid eyes on the Goldring, but so far as I know, it's the same table, same platter, same arm, even fitted with the same cartridge. The price difference is a marketing decision, nothing more. NAD is a more established brand in the U.S., and its reputation allows it to charge a little more.
mbrooker OP
3 posts
 
Thanks! That certainly makes the decision easier. The plinth, platter and cartridge seemed the same from what I had read. I just wasn't sure about the arm.
gadfly's avatar
gadfly
194 posts
 
the arm on the nad533 is a bit better than the one on the Goldring. check this out: http://www.vinylengine.com/rega_arm_guide_page2.shtml

nad533 uses the oem1 arm and the goldring uses the gr 1

review of the goldring table:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/goldring/gr1.html

review of the nad533:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?ranlg&1027547956&read&3&4&
pabelson
344 posts
 
Well, I stand corrected--slightly. But given the trivial differences between those arms, I'd say that the Goldring was clearly the better value.
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