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  3. 156426-18549

Recommendation on a basic turntable setup

Quick intro. I have been in audio for many years now.  Never tried a turnatable.  With this Covid, I have some free time and want to give it a try.  I am quite happy with my Theta Va DAC with Logitech streaming or Spotify streaming through Chrome Audio.  So if you can recommend a turntable that will be comparable or better that will be great.

The system I am planning to set it up with includes the following components (extra gear laying around):
- Sonic Frontiers SFL 1 Pre-amp
- Sonic Frontiers SFS 40 Amp
- Sonus Faber Concertino with stand

I would prefer a setup that is not too complicated to setup.  Budget is under $1000.

Thanks!
Sean
seanchau
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,559 posts
 
Pioneer PLX1000 with a Nagaoka MP110 and a Schiit Mani phono amp. You'll also need a good interconnect from Mani to your preamp. 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
There you go. Synergistic Research, nice big warm yet detailed sound, beautiful  soundstage, will go nicely with your tube and analog. 
seanchau OP
47 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations. My premap does have a phono input. Not sure if it is any good tho. Have to start somewhere. Thanks! 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,510 posts
 

The obvious question is: do you now own any LP's? (as you don't own a tt, I assume not). Or are you going to start buying them after getting a player? You "want to give it a try", but what you will be giving a try is not just a turntable, but LP's and everything that comes with them.

You'll need a serious cleaner (at least a RCM by VPI, Project, Nitty Gritty, Oki Noki, etc.) and cleaning solutions, a cartridge/stylus alignment protractor and stylus cleaner, and an isolation platform or shelf (LP players are very sensitive to vibration).

Have you considered the cost of new LP's, or are you intending to try used ones? New ones run about $20-$30, unless you get far enough into LP's to locate cheaper sources. Are you prepared to send back defective LP's? Warps, noise, and other defects are not uncommon in new LP's.

Not to be discouraging, but to paraphrase an old expression, LP's are not for sissies. ;-) 

roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@bdp24 : Stop trying to scare him off! Regarding LPs: there are a million used available online - no need to go outside shopping. Prices from $1 and up! New reissues today are IMO too expensive (and sourced mainly from digital files). I hardly ever buy any new! An original pressing in VG condition is much preferable!
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