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Turntable recommendation

My wife and I are looking into getting a turntable. It would get light use as we mostly stream music via Qobuz. Current system is Bluesound Node, Yamaha CD-S303, Schiit Saga+, Schiit Vidar,  NSMT Chorus 25 speakers and NSMT EXP15 sub. We do not have a record collection as of yet. Based on current gear and the fact that it will get light use. What makes sense? The $379 Yamaha CD player gets light use as well. Seems like a reasonable place to start budget-wise unless its all junk at this price point. 

njwvista

Showing 5 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,132 posts
 

I recommend this Audio Technica to get started

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120BK-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-USB/dp/B00GA9COMM?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A14IIJ8CA334LK&th=1

NOTE: ALL phono signals are weak and non-equalized, they need to be both pre-amplified up to LINE level and EQualized via industry standard RIAA. (Bass gets boosted/highs get cut)

AT120 has a built in Phono EQ, to boost and convert non-equalized phono signal to LINE, so it can be connected to any LINE/AUX input,

IF you have a separate MM Phono Input (moving magnet cartridge type, most common) , you can turn the eq in the TT off.

...............................................

IF you really get into LPs, then you might want to upgrade: 1st a better cartridge, 2nd a 'better' TT

elliottbnewcombjr
5,132 posts
 

 

jasonbourne71, OP

My suggestion for a cartridge upgrade. It has both wide channel separation and tight channel  balance, which yields improved imaging. That TT has a removable headshell, having the upgrade cartridge pre-mounted in a headshell is an advantage.

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm540ml-h

It has an advanced stylus shape, Microline, info here

https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information

Yes, center weight, good idea

I use this one

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at618a

btw, I don't work for Audio Technica, they just make well priced good stuff!

 

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,132 posts
 

Then again, you might want an automatic TT,

https://www.turntablelab.com/collections/automatic-turntables-turntables-with-automatic-operation/products/pioneer-pl-30-k-automatic-turntable

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,132 posts
 

 

vinylvin. OP

A lot of TT’s, like the one you listed have tonearms with fixed cartridges.

I recommend tonearms with a removable headshell, to use the OEM provided cartridge, and have an alternate upgrade.

IF you upgrade to a different TT, if a removable headshell, then you can easily move your headshell(s)/cartridges to it

somewhere along the line learning alignment skills.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,132 posts
 

 

vinylvin

I never knew much about Ortofon’s. You are right, that is a nice and easy upgrade path, AND you do not need to realign the cartridge!!!

https://www.ortofon.com/om-series-p-550

Interesting that the channel separation gets wider as you upgrade; channel balance tightens.

It's a nice light tracking force as well!!!

 

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