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Recommend a TT/Tonearm combo under $2000?

I've decided it's time for a hi end analog playback system. I'm starting off with the turntable/tonearm combo. Right now I'm using a typical receive with phono stage built in, so I plan to use my Sure V15xMR. I'm looking for a turntable/tonearm combo under $2000. I'll also entertain cartridge reommendations as well. My current vinyl playback device is a Yamaha PX-2 linear track, which works well and sounds nice, but i realize that most linear tracking turntables do not reproduce sound as accurately as it should due to the tone arm having to constantly compensate for tracking errors. I've looked at some offerings from Rega, VPI, Sumiko, Goldring, Sota, Linn, and Thorens; but the number of turntables in my price range is overwhelming.

My main musical interest is rock and classic rock. Most of my vinyl is either original 60's-80's and some 180gram reissues.

Steve Bennett
arnold_layne
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Speed stability is not an issue with the P5/P7 Regas. The power supply corrects any speed issues

Should I laugh--or cry?

***
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Nottingham analog spacedeck with whatever arm you can afford (either rega or nott's own) depending on whether you buy used or new.

Either that or a VPI.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,861 posts
 
I agree with the Spacedeck recommendation. There are several on Agon now, with and w/o arms. The new Ace-Space arm is a decided improvement over the old arm. This combination just plain makes music.

Oz
pops
2,272 posts
 
Hi Arnold...I just got back into vinyl and have been more than pleasantly surprised! i bought a Basis 1400 signature with a Rega rb300 and sumiko blackbird cartridge. I've had my table for 2 months and have not listened to a CD since, of course I will soon but man what a surprise. It absolutely blows my digital front end away.

The other key factor is the phono pre...that is in my opinion at least as important as anything else...it completes the front end. I decided on an audio research ph5 and finally...you must have a record cleaning machine!

It's an investment but I decided if I was going to go for it to go all in...that was my reluctance to move back to vinyl in the past, i think it's hard to piecemeal and really make an impact.
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