New Turn Table in the future

mrbofus

Hello all,
Been away for awhile enjoying the summer but now the weather is changing and I find myself with more computer time.
I am starting to think of a New Turn Table to go with my Onkyo SR507. The Onk does not have a Phono out so I would like/need a TT with a pre-amp?
Budget is going to be $250 or less. Open to any and all suggestions.

PS I must not be a real hard user of equipment because of all the negative I read about the ONK sr507 I have not been the least bit dissapointed. It does warm up but have never been "hot" as many have said. So far it does all I need it to do. Just thought I would mention that.

Thanks again

hearingimpared

Mrbofus, I'm not at home right now but when I get home I'll try and get a PM dialog going with you to see if I can help out.

RutgersFTW

A lot of people will say a used TT from the 1970s/80s is your best bet, but the value proposition can be dicey - the cartridge stylus can be worn, malfunctioning auto features, etc. You'd also need to drop at least $50 on a phono preamp.

If you're looking for a low-stress modern TT, there's really only one choice - the Audio Technica AT-LP120, a direct-drive manual model with built in preamp that goes for ~$190-209 online. I've had one for a few months and love it.

I've recently used a Dual 1229Q with Shure M97XE, a Philips AF-677 with AT-110E, and a Pioneer DD from the mid-1980s with a cheaper AT (at least it had a 1/2" mount, though) and all required repairs and had strange gremlins. The AT LP120 is easy to set up and will grow with you - the stock cartridge tracks at 3.5g, but once you play that for a few hundred hours you can upgrade to any HiFi cart and track lighter. You can plug in a different phono preamp when you're ready... it's just a blessing to have a legit TT in this price range.

There's also a fully automatic Denon belt drive for around $350, but I think the AT is a better bet.

mrbofus

Thanks,
The Audio Technica is one I kinda been looking at. It wont be used a lot but I still have a shelf full of them big round black things. Denon is also on the list but more than i can spend right now

Greg

Tony M

Check out the Technics models but get Joes opinion if you find a perticular model for a good price. They made some great ones and also very cheap ones to avoid also.

I now have two Technics and love them both.One heavy one and one med. weight one with auto return that I love.

decal

If you don't want to spend a lot of money try the AT-LP60USB.Cheap and has it's own internal preamp.You can rip your LPs to your computer,software is included.Not the final word on resolution(or anywhere near it) but amazingly satisfying at the price point.

vc69

If you guys care anything about HiFi TT action, skip the USB garbage. I would think entry level is the SL1200's. So many TT's will destroy your vinyl, most notably the cheap stuff. A decent preamp can be had for around $200 but I haven't seen anything worth using for less (except maybe used).

Joe will most certainly be able to point you in the right direction.

ecod123

Noob question: Who's Joe? Because I do need help in a similar fashion regarding entry level TT but I do not want to hijack this thread. Thanks.

vc69

Joe = Hearingimpared. You might want to shoot him a PM. I haven't seen him on the board in the past couple of days.

cstmar01

Music Hall, Rega, and some other entry level tables on the used market will fit the bill very nicely.

I used a phono pre amp that cost about 90 bucks, and it worked just fine at first. Yeah its better to upgrade and get something better down the road but to just get into it, not bad at all.

Music Hall 2.2LE's or even the 2.2's go for around 200-300 on the used market and are about a 500 buck player new.

Check out Audiogon.com for other deals on them, as they are a decent table for not a ton of money.

RutgersFTW

You're welcome, I really don't think you can go wrong for the price. It will only improve with cartridge/tonearm/preamp upgrades, but it's great enough in stock form to get out of the way and let you enjoy the music.

Speaking of cartridge upgrades, I mounted my M97xe in a spare headshell and it's a very good match to the table/preamp. Sounds a little richer in the midrange than the stock cart and tracks like a champ at as low as .75g.

Everyone discussing $200 preamps to mate with a $200 receiver is insane. You will get wonderful SQ with the AT table and your receiver.

I see you have some Technics tables - I'd say the AT-LP120 approaches Technics quality but falls short in a few areas (from the Sl-1200). The platter is lighter, the cue is a little flimsy, and the tonearm is a little cheesy. That said, it's guaranteed to work out of the box and none of those drawbacks is significant enough to shell out $700 for a new Technics table or $300+ for a used one that's been destroyed in nightclubs by an amateur turntablist.

I also have experience with the cheaper AT belt drive model with fixed cartridge, and I can't recommend it. They have no anti-skate controls and can't track for crap. It performs as you'd expect a $60 TT to perform, while the 120 definitely punches above its weight class.

Good luck whatever you do!

hearingimpared

Thanks for the vote of confidence guys.

mrbofus & ecod123 sorry I haven't been on the forum of late as all hell is breaking loose here and I've been busy.

If you guys have any questions, send a PM to me and I'll get back to you.

Thanks,

Joe

ecod123

vc69 wrote: »

Joe = Hearingimpared. You might want to shoot him a PM. I haven't seen him on the board in the past couple of days.

vc69,
Thanks for the info.