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Turntable on a $5k budget?

I'd like to give vinyl a try. I thought about starting with an inexpensive table but I think I may as well just buy once and be happy for a long time instead of upgrading later. I don't see why it wouldn't work out for me, I am willing to learn the proper setup just need a little guidance towards a good quality table and tonearm. I prefer a smooth, fatigue free sound over hyper resolution and detail.

I've listened to an SME 20/2 table with IV.Vi tonearm and I thought that was perfect for my taste but it is out of my budget. Should I be looking at suspended tables for that type of sound or is that not the deciding factor of how the table will sound overall?

The $5k is not the ceiling, I can extend my budget another $1500 for a tonearm on top of the table if the table is really that good.

I've read some reviews of the suspended tables such as Oracle, Sota and a few of non suspended such as Nottingham, Michell, Basis. Will any of the mentioned tables get me close to what I am looking for?

I am planning on using the phono stage of my McIntosh C500 preamp, it has both MM/MC phono stage. The rest of the system is McIntosh 501 monoblocks and Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento speakers.

Thanks in advance.
flyski

Showing 1 response by les_creative_edge

les_creative_edge
174 posts
 
Here is my 2 cents and I will stand by it no mater what some may say.

Honestly you will get all you want and more while staying within your budget. Her is my list.

1: Technics SL-12xxmkII series of table from KAB USA appx. $475 - $625 depending on version you desire.

2: Add the Cardas arm rewire $170

3: Add the outboard power supply mod. $250

4: Add the Kab fluid damper. $150

5: Add the Isono sorbothane feet. $200

6: Add Kab RC-100 record clmap. $150

Total so far : $1395 - $1545.

Select a good moving coil cartridge for table.

Models to try or buy all with appropriate head shells.

Audio Technica AT-OC9ML $340
Denon DL-103R. $370
Denon DL-304. $700
Dynavector 10x5. $395
Dynavector 20x $680

Total range now $1735.00 - $2245.00

Add a record cleaning machine setup. I use a steam cleaner but if you want a record vacuum I suggest.

VPI HW-16.5. $550

Total range is now $2285.00 - $2795.00

Add some decent cables (The Kab, Cardas arm rewire has high quality RCA outs.) But I truly do not recommend the silliness of mega buck cables. Get a decent set of $100-$200 cables or if you are able to make your own for a fraction of the cost.

Get a good audio rack that's stable or buy a turntable wall mount. range of price for a rack or wall mount oh $150-$500, but you can spend more if you want.

Total range is now $2535.00 - $3495.00 depending on choices made.

Buy a carbon fiber brush for between play cleaning, maybe bag a Zerostat anti-static gun. Invest in a whole lot of good record sleeves for your collection... These only add a $100 or so to the total.

Take the rest of your money and shop for some good new vinyl that you like and then go out to thrift shops and look for cheap used vinyl. Money left over, save and take your sig other and/or family out for a nice lil weekend vacation.

Well you got my advice for free and it will give you great sound and some fun too.
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