I would definitely get turntable without a phono stage. Phono stages are critical in the performance of a turntable, probably the first thing you will want to upgrade. I wasn’t happy until I got a $1.6K + over 30 years ago. This way you can upgrade the cartridge, and Phonostage before the table. In this price range I would look at Rega.
Looking at Turntable: belt drive or direct drive?
Hello.
I am thinking about venturing into the vinyl world! I am really stuck on three questions: -direct drive or belt , probably automatic/not getting any younger/
-turn table with or without phono preamp
-first budget purchase around $1500 or so , but does that give me a
decent start?
My system:
Rogue Pahraoh II integrated.
Focal Aria 926
Audioquest cables and interconnects.
Thank you for taking the time.