Looking for new turntable for vinyl novice

wsnydes

I'm looking to start a vinyl collection, but first need to add a turntable to my 2-channel system. Does anyone have any good recommendations for a turntable in the $200-$300 range? I'm typically partial to new, but I might look at used in certain situations. Keep in mind that while I've used turntables in the past, I've never really owned one myself, so bells and whistles might be wasted on me. Ease of use would be a key feature since my wife will also be utilizing the turntable. She's an even bigger novice with these things than I am.

With that also being said, is there certain aspects of a good TT that I should be looking for?

Thanks in advance.

DollarDave

In that price range for the best value, I'd go with a pre-owned table from the late 70's or early 80's. I have a couple extra - where are you located? I surely would not want to ship one.

pyrocyborg

Well... At this particular budget, I would say get an used turntable. New, except if you step higher in the 350$ range, you won't get anything really great.

Then, you've got 2 types of turntables: belt-driven or direct-drive. The first one is generally better for sound quality, and is cheaper to buy and to maintain. Personnally, I'll get a 100-ish used Turntable in working condition (i.e. no loose bet) that you like, and get a 100-150$ cartridge to get an awesome sound that you wouldn't get with a 450$ TT.

Also, there are automatic (e.g. you press a button, and everything works), the semi-automatic (e.g. you're the one to place the stylus on the vinyl, but there is an auto-return feature) and the manual (you control everything). The manual might cost less, and is less prone to any kind of failure (or to sratch your LPs when auto-returning)... It's not hard to use btw, even if your wife knows nothing to LPs.

What I suggest you to do is go on the vinyl engine forums, and ask your questions there. You'll have plenty of up to date information from people who know a lot about vinyl.

For your information, I got a Kenwood KD-3070 direct-drive turntable with automatic return for under 100$. Even with the OEM stylus, it works well and well maintained LPs almost sound like a CD with a tad warmer touch. With a quality (100$+) stylus, it could get even better! Remember that on a good TT, the sound should be of the same quality than a good CD player (which is cheaper, I know...). Also, you should see if you have a phono pre-amp on your amplifier/receiver, or if you need to buy one (around 100$): it's mandatory to have one (integrated to your receiver, or an external one) to even hear anything.

wsnydes

I'm in Minnesota.

I suppose that a good and quality TT will be in hte $400-$500 range?

pyrocyborg

Well, brand new you've got the Pro-ject Debut III in the 350$ range, or the Rega RP1, both great starter turntables with no bells or whistles. It won't play as well as an used turntable with a 150$ cartridge (the cartridge they put on these entry-level audiophile turntables are in the 50-75$ range, which is good but not great), but you'll have a warranty and a brand new styling.

If you're not too picky, it is a good way to start! Other than that, as Dave said, the good vintage 70s or early 80s gear can be had for not that much and will play a lot better than the late 80s or 90s ones (except the high-end ones).

hochpt21

I don't know your current gear, end goal or critical listening abilities so I am just guessing here, but it sounds like you want to balance decent sound, ease of use and the novelty of having a turntable. If that were the case for me I would go with an entry-level new from Rega or Pro-Ject.

Much better sound can be had for the same price going used, but you really have to know what you're looking for, how to properly set up the tt...etc. I'm not trying to dicourage you from going used, but if you go that route, spend some time doing research.

My $.02

wsnydes

hochpt21, I think you nailed what I'm looking for for the most part. I listen to a considerable amount of music and enjoy good quality sound. Do I have or even want top of the line audio equipment? Not really, I don't have the coin to support all of my hobbies as it is. What I am looking for is the most bang for the buck at "reasonable" prices. When I was younger, I had more time to stay current with audio equipment, but really haven't been able to for about 10 years. So I'm trying to catch up while trying to expand my equipment and music collection. I started building a HT system first and I'm now building a 2-channel system around an Outlaw RR2150 receiver and two Polk Monitor 70's.

I'm not in a position to buy right at the moment, which is why I'm asking the questions now in an effort to narrow the options down and research accordingly. So I appreciate all the input that I can get.

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk!

That Outlaw is a nice receiver! And the M-70s should have enough power from it to sound better than they would off a cheaper AVR.

Don't know much about the phono section in the Outlaw, though. I assume it's OK!

Personally, I'd look at some of what you've been offered by members above. New tables in the 400 or so range, sure. But those older tables, if well maintained, are probably a better value.

Check your local CL, etc. And try to pick one up yourself. I'm sure our members know how to ship a TT because I've bought some from them! But, in general, most people do not know how to pack a table well so it's better just to pick it up yourself.

Have fun! I'm just a dabbler in vinyl myself. It's what I grew up with, but I'm not willing to invest too much in it, others find it their primary musical mode. But my hair is already graying some!

cnh

doctor r

Contact and then visit the Needle Doctor located in St Louis Park, MN. The have everything from $300.00 close outs to the sky's the limit. Good people to deal with in my experiences with them. If you want new and local support you could not live in a better location. They should be about 30 miles from you.
Rick

gdb

Thorens TD-160s are in your $$$ range and can/do last forever if taken care of. Zero bells, zero whistles. Those CAN be added later at varying costs. The table linked below could be a good buy. (set up to ship in orig. packing too)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THORENS-TD-165-C-TURNTABLE-/320946611253?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item4ab9e8a435

wsnydes

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I will give the Needle Doctor a visit and then continue my research. I can't buy anything at the moment anyway, so I have plenty of time to do my due diligence and find the right component.