Just in case, plan on room for a TT.
To easily get back into Vinyl, this Direct Drive Audio Technica comes with cartridge mounted and aligned, you just select tracking force and matching anti-skate.
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XUSB-Direct-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Skate/dp/B07N3S4X3P...=
It has a built-in optional phono eq, so you can use it with any line level input. I preferred this phono eq to a McIntosh C28 phono, it sounds darn good.
Then, if you get hooked, off you go
upgrade step one: get a spare headshell and a new cartridge with an advanced stylus shape; wider channel separation; and tighter channel balance.
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm540ml-h
Advanced stylus shape cost more at first, however they last longer, so not much more really.
https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information
note: a few inexpensive tools and skills (you or a friend) are needed to mount and align any cartridge, the advanced stylus shapes need precision for maximum performance and reduce wear to LP grooves.
upgrade two: new TT. Get an arm with removable headshell for existing and future cartridges, including an eventual Mono cartridge.
To easily get back into Vinyl, this Direct Drive Audio Technica comes with cartridge mounted and aligned, you just select tracking force and matching anti-skate.
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XUSB-Direct-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Skate/dp/B07N3S4X3P...=
It has a built-in optional phono eq, so you can use it with any line level input. I preferred this phono eq to a McIntosh C28 phono, it sounds darn good.
Then, if you get hooked, off you go
upgrade step one: get a spare headshell and a new cartridge with an advanced stylus shape; wider channel separation; and tighter channel balance.
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm540ml-h
Advanced stylus shape cost more at first, however they last longer, so not much more really.
- Spherical / Conical - 150hrs
- Elliptical - 250hrs
- Shibata/Line contact - 400hrs
- SAS/MicroRidge - 500hrs
https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information
note: a few inexpensive tools and skills (you or a friend) are needed to mount and align any cartridge, the advanced stylus shapes need precision for maximum performance and reduce wear to LP grooves.
upgrade two: new TT. Get an arm with removable headshell for existing and future cartridges, including an eventual Mono cartridge.