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Help Picking a turntable

Hi Everyone,

Rod at my local store here where I buy my gear (unless I buy here at Audiogon) was at my house doing a master set for my speakers (they sound much better) and he suggested I consider getting a turntable and switching to records from cds to get better sound.  I am considering his suggestion but my biggest problem is that I don't know anything about turntables.  Rod recommended a turntable package from EAT that includes the arm, cartridge etc. for about $6,500, which is more than I want to spend.  He said he would look into turntables that are a bit less that would still sound good but I thought I would also check with everyone here to see if anyone had ideas also that I could discuss with Rod when I meet with him.  I'd like to stay under $3000 for the turntable package (turntable, arm, cartridge etc.). 

My current system is: Thiel 3.7 speakers; ARC REF 75 SE amp; ARC LS-17 SE pre-amp (I will also need a phono stage which I know will be in addition to the $3,000 I am willing to spend on the turntable package); analysis plus solo crystal oval speaker wire and interconnects.  Lastly, all of my music now is played through my Simaudio 280d DSD DAC (my cd player, computer etc are all hooked into the dac directly -- no wi fi). 

I'd appreciate any advice and suggestions to help educate me before I go down to Rod's store again and listen and meet with him.  As I said, I know nothing about turntables so any advice, suggestions etc. are very welcome.  Thank you all again in advance for your responses.     
gasherbaum

Showing 1 response by kingshead

kingshead
44 posts
 
Well here’s a suggestion out of left field. As it seems you’re not averse to purchasing something inexpensive to test the waters, why not something used. These are kind of rare so demand decent money but are well worth the asking price, and then some. These tables are so good you just might decide not to go any higher up the food chain.

The later top tier Kenwoods are something special, and look it too. Something like the KD770D, KD750, KD990, all are easily within budget and will leave money for a great cartridge.

No personal experience with any but the 770D, but all are similar enough I feel safe in recommending any one of them. Then there’s the legendary Kenwood L-07D, if you can find one, but most likely not within budget.

Below is a link to a picture of the 770D, I think you will like what you see. Then check vinylengine for the specs, again I think you will like what you see.

This is a big table, notice the platter compared to the rubber mat.

Martin

http://www.audioscope.net/images/kenwood_kd_770_d-3.jpg

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