2. analog
  3. 1358819803

Newbie needs advice

Hello everybody,

I just have a basic question and need an advice. I got bored with my computer speakers and felt like I need to get something better than what I already had. I was looking at different options and everything out there seemed boring as hell and without a character. So I came up with this idea of getting a vintage Marantz and a pair of bookshelf speakers. So I found this Marantz Model 2220B $130 and a pair of Polk bookshelfs $100. For some reason a vintage Marantz or Sansui was always something I wanted to get and this seemed like a perfect opportunity, and while the 2220B might not be the best of the bunch Marantz released in the 70s I read it has a pretty decent phono stage. Oddly enough a turntable is another thing I wanted to explore, as a side hobby only, so this seems like a perfect opportunity to get started.
So the question is what turntable would you guys recommend? Can be vintage, must be cheap, has to "move me". Any recommendations?

Great thanks!
topsel
wolf_garcia
6,635 posts
 
Regarding new items: Project Carbon...400 bucks includes nice cart, Cambridge 641p under 200 (the Pangea P100 power supply is currently $69 at Audio Advisor...I have 2 of these and they are amazing), Spincleans are $75...set of Mobile Fidelity "master sleeves" 50 for $20, anti static brush maybe 10 bucks?, stylus cleaner...can't remember but lasts forever. You get the point.
topsel OP
29 posts
 
Great thanks for all the comments, the positive and negative, I guess both help think about stuff.
I used to play records when I was a kid, my big brother used to have a TT. From what I remember listening to music was more of a ritual, an event, then the casualness of what it is now. 100% of my music sits on a hard drive now, and I'm not trying to complain as with some help of audiogon members I've built a rig that's very satisfying to my ears but sometimes I feel there's something missing. So I guess there is a little bit more to vinyl than just listening to music.
I don't think it's gonna be a serious rig but may bring a little bit of that old feeling again.

Great thanks again.
vinylmad814
62 posts
 
yeah I agree with the majority of you all. I live in a city where there is an abundance of used turntables for affordable prices. You can find gems like the Thorens TD-160 or an Ariston RD 80 which I own as a back up TT for less than $400 for both models. I assure that you will get plenty of enjoyment out of them. Used LP and new Titles for LP's have made a huge comeback. Stores that sold a majority of new and used Cd's are now selling more than twice as many Lp's over Cd's. So if you have an itch to scratch, I would say go for it and enjoy.
topsel OP
29 posts
 
Lowrider and others.

On the needledoctor website I read a lot of good reviews about the Denon DP300F. Is this any good? I'm asking because with my connections I can get one for about $260 brand new. Any comments?
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
609 posts
 
One way to start is to buy a used Thorens turntable (145, 150, 160, 165) at $200~300, and a (good) budget cartridge at around $100 (Shure M97xE). $100 phono preamp will beat the phono section in the Marantz receiver.
Buying used records may not be that expensive, usually $1~2 each in eBay if you bought in bulk, or little more in used record stores, unless it is a sought after record. Thrifty stores or garage sales may worth try.
Yes, it will become very expensive hobby quickly if you are hooked into it.
More to discover