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Recommend an Entry Level Turntable (And maybe an integrated Amp)

I've been wanting to upgrade my system for a long time now.

My system currently consists of a pair of B&W 630's, an old Denon 50 watt reciever (DRA-550) from the mid 80's,  and a Marantz 5004 cd player.  I'm pretty happy with all three.

I'm looking to get into vinyl and The Project Debut Carbon turntable was recommended.  I listened to it but wasn't amazed by it. So I sent it back.

I then called my local audio store and the salesman said that if the system sounds good with cds but not with the turntable then the weak link is probably the phono pre amp.

So, he recommended the NAD C388 integrated amp which has the added benefit of more power (150 watts per channel) and bluetooth as well (something I definitely want).  He did qualify it by saying that reciever/amp technology hasn't changed much over the years.

He also recommended an upgrade of the turntable cartridge to the Sumiko Rainier.

Just thinking out loud.  I'd be open to adding a bluetooth and a new phono preamp to the Denon, but I'm not sure if that would be better.

TIA

klimt
axpert's avatar
axpert
110 posts
 

I was going to make a recommendation but I don't think you'd listen to me anyhow. Where you're at and some of the recommendations that other's have made would be in a somewhat different direction from mine. No sense confusing you more. Besides, I only have about 60 years of experience in the field of music and audio.

Good Luck.

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Pioneer PLX1000 is the best sub-$1K TT. I have one in my TT collection. For the price ($699) can't be beat! Sound quality as good as the several times more expensive Technics TTs.

heretobuy
120 posts
 

And so right you are axpert. I can tell right now from absolutely no information how I would have trolled you on all the lame gear you were going to recommend. Portrait of the Artist as a Young Grease Stain, that's what it would be.

Awww, who am I kidding? Please pretty please tell us! I promise I'll be ever so impressed! Don't be a stingy old meanie!

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,017 posts
 

I'd have a look at Music Hall's Classic turntable at $599....tough to beat at that price. Good looks, a uni-pivot tonearm, electronic speed control, a removable headshell, and auto lift and shutoff...the pre-mounted Spirit cartridge is of good quality. The built in phono preamp is by-passable/defeatable. Heck, I certainly do not need another turntable, but I may grab one, why not @599....

klimt OP
164 posts
 

Lots of good info here. Thank You!

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