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Turntable and pre-amp advice sought

Looking for some advice as there seem to be a bunch of options and little to differentiate them,

I'm looking for a turntable and phono-preamp. I mostly listen to music via streaming but I own a fair amount of 45s that I'd like to have the ability to play. I'm mostly looking at a budget of $750 give or take and for something new.

For turntables, I've been looking at the U-Turn Orbit Plus, Music Hall 2.3 and the Rega P1. Electronic speed change isn't a must though some of the Pro-Jects seem to offer it and I wouldn't object. As for pre-amps, I've been eyeing the U-Turn Pluto, Music Hall PA 1.2, a Musical Fidelity and a Rega. I've been hesitant to get a table with a pre-amp built in but perhaps that's foolish thinking.

There doesn't seem to be a lot that suggests one over the other. Anyone with experience with these items who has some advice to offer would be appreciated.

 
128x128efjay

Showing 1 response by big_greg

big_greg
6,687 posts
 
All of those turntables will play records and are affordable.  If you're not picky about sound quality, throw a dart.  I have a Music Hall 2.2 and it is a decent entry turntable.  I'm listening to mine right now.  Pair it up with something like the Pro-Ject Tube Box or (my recommendation) the Parks Puffin and you'll have a nice starter setup for around your budget.  

I recommend saving up and spending a little more on the Music Hall 5.3 or a used table in the Music Hall 5.X lineup.  They have better feet and isolation which will result in tighter bass and overall better sound quality.
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