You have lots of good choices with your budget, and others will weigh in here and be critical of my choices (and frankly bring it on) so I’ll recommend what I have, because I am biased, and because yes, I am very happy with my set up. You will also need to buy a good cartridge and some cables for this but you’ll still come in under your total budget. Here’s what I would get (I personally purchased and still enjoy daily all this gear).
Technics SL1200GR turntable $1599 one preowned at HiFi Heaven
Nagaoka MP150 cartridge $329 from LP Gear
Ortofon SH-4 Headshell $28.99 on Amazon
VPI JMW RCA phono cable $299 from Elusive Disc
EAR 834P MM only tubed phono stage $1695 from Needle Doctor
This is a very fine set up that will provide deep vinyl satisfaction for years. Total is $3951. Your budget is $2500 - $4000.
I owned a Musical Hall 5.1 turntable for a couple of years (made by Project). It was so so okay but not anywhere as dynamic and wow/flutter/rumble free as the Technics. You could also save some money by getting the Nagaoka MP110 cartridge, not quite as good as the MP150 but I have one and enjoy it and it is a real bargain for $129.17.
You may already have an interconnect for the phono pre to preamp so I did not include that. Some if this you might buy pre-owned to save shekels, and that’s fine, but UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD I RECOMMEND PURCHASING A PREOWNED CARTRIDGE. Been there done that and have scorch marks to show for it.
Let me know if you have any questions. OK guys and gals, I have my flame retardant teflon suit on...
Steve
Technics SL1200GR turntable $1599 one preowned at HiFi Heaven
Nagaoka MP150 cartridge $329 from LP Gear
Ortofon SH-4 Headshell $28.99 on Amazon
VPI JMW RCA phono cable $299 from Elusive Disc
EAR 834P MM only tubed phono stage $1695 from Needle Doctor
This is a very fine set up that will provide deep vinyl satisfaction for years. Total is $3951. Your budget is $2500 - $4000.
I owned a Musical Hall 5.1 turntable for a couple of years (made by Project). It was so so okay but not anywhere as dynamic and wow/flutter/rumble free as the Technics. You could also save some money by getting the Nagaoka MP110 cartridge, not quite as good as the MP150 but I have one and enjoy it and it is a real bargain for $129.17.
You may already have an interconnect for the phono pre to preamp so I did not include that. Some if this you might buy pre-owned to save shekels, and that’s fine, but UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD I RECOMMEND PURCHASING A PREOWNED CARTRIDGE. Been there done that and have scorch marks to show for it.
Let me know if you have any questions. OK guys and gals, I have my flame retardant teflon suit on...
Steve