I suggest you investigate the Technics SL 1200 G. I believe this is the only turntable recommended by Stereophile magazine as a highly recommended direct-drive audiophile turntable that isn’t a $10,000+ belt-drive turntable. I believe the Technics SL 1200 G will be under $5000. I don’t believe it comes with any cartridge, so would recommend you would at least start with an Ortofon 2M blue or something higher in price from them or Sumiko.
Looking for more advice on purchasing a new turntable.
So I’m looking for Opinions/Advice from people who have high-end turntables and the experiences with.
First, I’ll start with my system. It consists of a Prima Luna preamp and two Prima Luna amplifiers along with the prima Luna phone stage with a pair of magnepans 1.7 My budget for the table is $5000 new or used, but for that price I would want it to come with a really good cartridge otherwise, 4000 for the table and 1000 for the cartridge.
Thanks I look forward to your recommendations.
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+1 Rega P8- will allow a cartridge >$1000 which can be money well spent if it matches up with the phono stage and arm (a lighter weight cartridge would be best). I am personally a van den Hul fan. Just make sure it is not going to be subject to any floor vibration from a suspended floor or you'll need a wall shelf and vibration control. Those improvements will make it very tough to beat for a lot more money because of the excellent high value arms Rega makes that are included. In this case an RB 880. Not a fan of Rega cartridges though. I think they are overpriced. |
OP, you might consider a new Linn LP12 Majik. This table should be in budget and will include a decent Arm/ MM cartridge along with a good choice of options if you desire. The basic model is well equipped and will allow you to upgrade if you desire and funds allow, without having to ditch the original table to do so. |
I looked briefly through the thread, but I didn’t see whether you currently own a table or have any experience with analog. I think the recommendations would be more focused if you answered that. Sorry if I missed it if you did. @thedoc2004 |
Include a record cleaner in your budget. Sadly the high end ultrasonic will pretty much eat up your budget. There are much lower cost alternatives, work out in your head the cost vs. effectiveness vs. hassle factor for each and add this to your budget. Are you a tinkerer or do you want a table to show up ready to play? Setting up an expensive cartridge is not for the faint of heart, you should be able to guess how I know this. Hoping you have a reputable dealer that sells one of the brands listed above and will set up the table plus cartridge for you. $5000- for new equipment versus used will sound pretty much the same. Consider a hybrid model, used table plus cleaner with a new cartridge, preferably professionally installed. |
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