Possibly The Best Kept Secret In Turntables?

I have been noticing more and more forum threads on this site regarding entry into the world of analog. There were 2 today alone. Over the past several months I have read 11 threads asking basically the same question, "where is a good place to start with turntables"?

The titles of the threads were all different, but were all asking pretty much the same question.

So many new turntables have been introduced over the last ten years, it's been hard to keep track. Because of so many new introductions, we sometimes forget about some of the products that have been on the market for years. Many of these turntables have well established track records and are still considered "standards in the industry" even by today's standards.

All I am attempting to do with this thread, is provide the "newbees" in the wonderful world of analog, a reminder of an extremely cost effective means of starting into analog without breaking the bank, provide an easy entry level expenditure with lot's of room to upgrade, and provide an upgrade path that will allow them to eventually end up with a great sounding analog rig. This can be accomplished over any period of time with relatively small expenditures.

I am NOT pushing a specific brand here, although the brand I will be mentioning is probably one of the most diverse in terms of upgradability. And, I am finding more and more of the upgrade components available used, here on AudioGon at extremely reasonable prices. So PLEASE everyone, don't misread this as a promo or a plug for a specific company.

VPI Industries in Cliffwood, NJ, has offered the HW-19 seies of turntables for many years. The most basic model being the HW-19 Jr, (Approx. $500 new). This model can be eventually upgraded to the most well respected HW-19 MkIV/TNT through a series of upgrades at relatively low cost.
http:www.vpiindustries.com/upgrades.shtm

The HW-19 series can accomodate a myriad of different tonearms produced by many different manufacturers. The real advantage to these particular models is that you can generally start off with a HW-19 JR. and a Rega RB-300 tonearm (another cost effective and well respected analog component) with a decent quality cartridge for under the thousand dollar mark. Often in the used marketplace for much less than that. This will at least provide you with a good quality starting point.

This rig can be used as the foundation for any future upgrades as VPI offers many upgrade components for that model and any successive models that you "create" from there. It is also refreshing to know that you are working with a manufacturer that has offered this model for many, many years, has provided full support of that model line's upgrades and, will more than likely continue to do so. VPI has never been known for the "new model of the month club".

Again, please keep in mind that there are many other turntables in the marketplace that will provide you flexibility in upgrades, but to my knowledge, very few that can bring you to the level of performance that the HW-19 MK IV will provide in terms of price/performance ratio.
http://www.vpiindustries.com/press.shtm

I hope that I have helped to provide some valuable information for those of you that are looking for somewhere to start in analog, and also allow you to enter the world of vinyl with a somewhat reduced degree of reluctance, if any. I feel I am somewhat qualified to make these suggestions as I have followed the same path that I have spelled out in this thread. And I have been very satisfied with the results. Is it the "best" analog rig out there? Probably not. But then again, I have not spent the "best" money either.

And hopefully the tagged URLs will provide any additional information you may require.

Best of luck with your ultimate decision and happy listening.