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Recommendation on a basic turntable setup

Quick intro. I have been in audio for many years now.  Never tried a turnatable.  With this Covid, I have some free time and want to give it a try.  I am quite happy with my Theta Va DAC with Logitech streaming or Spotify streaming through Chrome Audio.  So if you can recommend a turntable that will be comparable or better that will be great.

The system I am planning to set it up with includes the following components (extra gear laying around):
- Sonic Frontiers SFL 1 Pre-amp
- Sonic Frontiers SFS 40 Amp
- Sonus Faber Concertino with stand

I would prefer a setup that is not too complicated to setup.  Budget is under $1000.

Thanks!
Sean
seanchau

Showing 3 responses by bdp24

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,137 posts
 
@seanchau, there is currently a "recently serviced" VPI HW-19 (Mk.3, I believe, though it has a Mk.4 armboard---1" thick vs. the Mk.3's 1/2") on the big auction site. It comes with a Sumiko Premier MMT (Jelco) arm mounted, a VPI PLC Power Line Conditioner, and what appears to be a BDR carbon fiber record clamp. That's a lotta table for $900! 3 days remaining, no bids, $114 shipping. If I needed a table and had a grand to spend, I buy it in a heartbeat.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,137 posts
 

@seanchou, if your area is anything like mine, Mint Minus copies of used LP’s will be readily available starting at around $5. But I would be hesitant to buy used without a vacuum (or ultrasonic) machine to wet clean them. The one from Project at around $500 would be my first choice, the VPI HW-16 second.

For a table, if you can find a nice used VPI HW-19 (Mk.2 or 3) with a Jelco arm would be hard to beat. The HW-19 is built like a tank, and will last forever (I've owned four including my current one). For bargain-priced cartridges I can’t be of no help.

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,137 posts
 

The obvious question is: do you now own any LP's? (as you don't own a tt, I assume not). Or are you going to start buying them after getting a player? You "want to give it a try", but what you will be giving a try is not just a turntable, but LP's and everything that comes with them.

You'll need a serious cleaner (at least a RCM by VPI, Project, Nitty Gritty, Oki Noki, etc.) and cleaning solutions, a cartridge/stylus alignment protractor and stylus cleaner, and an isolation platform or shelf (LP players are very sensitive to vibration).

Have you considered the cost of new LP's, or are you intending to try used ones? New ones run about $20-$30, unless you get far enough into LP's to locate cheaper sources. Are you prepared to send back defective LP's? Warps, noise, and other defects are not uncommon in new LP's.

Not to be discouraging, but to paraphrase an old expression, LP's are not for sissies. ;-) 

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