Turntable question


I need a turntable for my system and need some expert guidance from the forum.  I like the Technics SL1200GR or SL1200G, big price difference for a "starter" to add to my "modest" high end system (Marantz AV, Parasound amp, Focal Speakers).  Not sure which to choose but think the GR might be a better option. The TT's that keep coming up are the above Technics, Riga, VPI and a few others.  I have no experience in the vinyl realm but sincerely appreciate quality sound when I get into my system.  I also need advice regarding the type of cartridge, etc.  I am leaning to the Technics because I have read it is easy to set up, reliable, good sound quality and of high priority, ease of use for my wife.  She is very sharp but likes simplicity when she gets home from work.  Help!!  Thank you for any advice!
drlinn

Showing 2 responses by big_greg

Not knowing which "Marantz AV" you have, it's hard to say for sure, but that is probably going to be a bottleneck in your system in terms of getting the best sound quality from a turntable. 

I would suggest spending less on the turntable and cartridge itself and make sure to get a decent phono stage and consider a separate preamp with a home theater bypass (if you watch movies also with your Marantz).

Something like a Music hall 5.x or 7.x or a comparably priced Rega, Clearaudio, or other table, a Hana SL cartridge, and a Parks Puffin phono stage or better, and a used preamp in the $1500 - $2000 range. 

I'd start with the turntable, cartridge, and phono stage first and make sure you like spinning records and use it regularly and then add the preamp later if you want to improve the sound quality further. 

You can always upgrade the turntable, cartridge, and phono stage later if you get into vinyl and wouldn't be out much if you flipped the other pieces, especially if you buy used.  I'd get the Hana new, but look at used for the turntable and possibly the phono stage.

Unless you get a fully automatic turntable, which isn't necessarily a bad option, most turntables are fairly simple.  Click a power button to start the platter rotating, use the arm lift to move the stylus over the record, lower the tonearm, and enjoy.  You may have to power up the phono stage separately.
That sounds like a good deal for the SL1200GR. You don't "need" a preamp, but a decent preamp will provide a noticeable improvement over the Marantz.  I've owned the Marantz AV8801 and AV7704.  They sound better than a lot of AVPs, but a good dedicated preamp will sound a lot better. You don't need it now, just keep it in mind for a future upgrade.