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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
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!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@noromance : Good recommendation! I too bought a PLX1000 when I was curious and wanted to add a new TT to my vintage collection (a dozen +) of belt, idler, dd, linear-tracking TTs. The PLX1000 represents excellent value - even though it comes from Ch*na! Best choice under $1K!
seanchau OP
47 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like the PLX1000 is quite popular. I will most likely start with a simple setup and buy new and used LP.  It is part of the fun to discover and learn right?  I know a lot of you are quite hardcore audiophile and everything must be perfect. I may start with a few LP and just stopped.  I always wanted to try turntable setup and the idea seems fun.  I don't know if I will ever own a cleaner. At that point I think it would end up ruining the fun for me.  But appreciate all the suggestions. It is a bit insane to me that 1k setup is too little.  I just don't want to end up getting a setup that requires constant upgrades. I'm perfectly satisfied with my systems and have not upgraded in the past few years. I find myself enjoying music and my systems more than ever now.  
seanchau OP
47 posts
 
Came across uturn orbit setup with Ortofon 2M Blue for under $600.  
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,510 posts
 

@seanchou, if your area is anything like mine, Mint Minus copies of used LP’s will be readily available starting at around $5. But I would be hesitant to buy used without a vacuum (or ultrasonic) machine to wet clean them. The one from Project at around $500 would be my first choice, the VPI HW-16 second.

For a table, if you can find a nice used VPI HW-19 (Mk.2 or 3) with a Jelco arm would be hard to beat. The HW-19 is built like a tank, and will last forever (I've owned four including my current one). For bargain-priced cartridges I can’t be of no help.

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