2. analog
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young and new to analog.

i'm 22, and am just now getting into analog sound, and was wondering if anyone in the baltimore/dc area could recommend a shop that i could find decent turntables. and suggestions as to what turntable to start with. with my current income situation, i'm looking to spend in the area of 300-500 bucks (if i get the job i just applied for, probably more) and i was looking at (based on reviews) that a pro-ject debut III with the speed box mkII would be a good way to get into the game. any other suggestions welcome.

also, as far as recievers, phono stage, and speakers go, i'm looking at those in the same price range, and have yet to decide. any help would be appreciated!

-chuck
chuckelator

Showing 2 responses by kublakhan

kublakhan
718 posts
 
Read this site: http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/index.htm

Kevin at Kab audio makes a great case for why the stock Technics SL-1200 direct drive turntable beats out the so-called 'audiophile' tables costing much more. You can get a new or used one w/in your price range and it's super easy to set up. If you want to upgrade slowly, Kevin at Kab can do it for you in steps. He also has recommendations on phono stages that will suit your budget.

i bought the limited edition gold version of the 1200 and had Kevin do the full mods. the work was excellent. i haven't compared it to anything because i moved out of the country before i had the chance but for the money you're talking about i can't imagine anything that could be better.
kublakhan
718 posts
 
I disagree w/ suggestions to buy anything new and I'd stay away from the cheaper solid states because i just don't think any qualify as 'audiophile sound.' Audio Research has excellent solid state vintage gear from the 80s.

Technics 1200 turntable

Rip all cds to a lossless format and find a good DAC. Absolutely no need for a cd player and you'll get better sound.

Speakers: Acoustat Model III. Electrostatic vintage classics. There's nothing that can touch these for ten times the price. ~$400 used. Hard to find and they're big. 4 feet tall and about 2.5 wide and need to be 3 feet away from the back wall ideally.

Check out this site for recommendations and be sure to look at the Vintage component and Entry Level component sections here: http://www.high-endaudio.com/rec.html#List
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