Turntable/Phono Pre/Cart Combo Recommendations

[vc69]

I am looking to get into an analog rig in the near future. I have an extensive vinyl collection that I very much want to listen to. It has been YEARS since I have owned a TT and things have certainly changed, so I am looking for suggestions. In particular, an entry level set-up that is within a 1.2k to 1.5k range and is a known good combination of cart/pre and table. Ease of setup is a factor as I am inexperienced, but I am confident and determined. My sig has the other associated equipment involved.
I know there are some veterans here that have the knowledge so please, do share some thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

[Keiko]

IMO, (and I'm probably being biased) the best bang for your buck would be a Technics SL-12xx. I'm sure others will chime in with their recommendations. Good luck!

[Dawgfish]

+1 on the Techniques Sl-1200 recommendation. You can usually find them used for $300-$500. Just make sure it is in good shape and has not been an abused DJ table. With you being a newbie to turntable setup I recommend an Ortofon ProS Cartridge w/STY30 Stylus from KAB USA: www.kabusa.com. This will set you back $300. It is an integrated wand type cartridge that you don't have to align, just plug it into the arm and you're ready to go. It sounds great with the 1200. I would then pick up a Jolida JD-9 phono pre. You can get these used of off Audiogon for around $300 stock, or find some with NOS tubes and mods for more. Here's a good source for a new JD-9; http://www.needledoctor.com/Jolida-JD9-Phono-Preamp. That will just leave you with these two other items;

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ttmat.htm, get the 3.7 mm thick version for $72.50

http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/accesss.htm, specifically the RC1200 record clamp for $79.00.

The combo and accesories listed above will give you hours or enjoyment, is very well built, and most importantly sounds awesome and everything together is well within your budget!

BTW, I'm in Picayune working for quit awhile. I'll be more than happy to help you with any advice and/or setup questions you may have and even come by and help you with setup if you want. Just shoot me a PM.

[Keiko]

I've read good things about the Tube Box II phono pre also. An upgrade that's been on my wishlist for awhile now.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject...I-Phono-Preamp

+1 on the Herbies Way Excellent turntable mat and clamp. Cool tweaks for not a lot of dough.

Here's a couple of shots of my SL-1210M5G w/Dynavector 10X5 cartridge & Sumiko headshell, Herbies tt mat and Joe's clamp. I got about 1500.00 tied up into this and it's a solid performer. I started with a Denon, DL160 cartridge which is now my backup.

[miner]

Budget if buying new: 40% TT, 35% cartridge, 25% phono pre

[TSWisla]

Get a VPI Scout and a PS Audio GCPH phono pre and you will be VERY happy.

[TSWisla]

If you really want to get the most out of your old vinyl (it really does have a LOT to offer), you will absolutely need to save up for a proper RCM. It is worth every penny. PM me if you have any questions. It has been said a thousand times, but it is worth repeating. Vinyl is a very, very slippery slope, it will really suck you in and make you OCD. Consider yourself warned.

[steveinaz]

Kevin, take a close look at:

Marantz TT-15S1
Clearaudio Concept

Both are no brainers in the $1500 range. I've researched this range extensively. If you can stretch a touch further, the VPI Scout is an excellent choice as well.

[vc69]

Hey guys! Sorry for the hiatus from the thread. I was in Iowa visiting family for a few days.

Keiko and Dawgfish, I'm pretty sure I am going to go with a 12xx table to begin with and the fact that so many of you guys here use and recommend them is a big plus. I think a VPI Scout is probably a next level thing. The SL12xx is a solid table and will be easy to move if I don't want to stay in, or decide to move up the food chain.

Steve, thanks for the suggestions! That marantz has been on my "drool list" for awhile. I have heard great things about the clearaudio too. I am afraid they are just slightly out of reach for what I am trying to accomplish going into this thing.

Having said all of that, I am still unsettled on a preamp. I like the pro-ject, but would like some other suggestions/options.

I really appreciate all of the feed back so far!

[vc69]

I can't seem to find an SL12xx table for anywhere near a reasonable price. For the money a new one is going for, I can get a VPI Traveler. I am leaning strongly in that direction.

[steveinaz]

How much are you wanting to spend on the phono pre?

[vc69]

Hey Steve,
I'm thinking 300-500 for a used one. I like the idea of a tube pre but I am open to suggestions. A buddy of mine and myself are sort of doing this project together and he is an ARC owner. I am thinking he might end up buying a PH3 but if I buy the pre-amp, the PH3 is over my budget.

[steveinaz]

I was gonna list all the usual suspects; NAD, Cambridge, Sim Audio...etc, none of which are tubed however.

[vcwatkins]

I'm a complete novice and just wanted to get my feet wet and rip some old vinyl.

I got a used entry level MMF 2.2 turntable and a mid(?) tube pre, the Bellari vp530. Stuck a NOS Telefunken 5965 in it and have enjoyed the heck out of it. I don't think it's universally loved, but it has what I needed (plus a headphone amp) and I love the sound. Handshake with my PC was quick and painless. Using AQ usb, but will likely switch to Wireworld UV, which I love. No problems using with Audacity and Vinyl Studio. DC, adjustable gain USB, monitor, HP out, RIAA (haven't used), rumble filter and mute. Could probably warm things up a bit with a Mullard, but I think I'll stick with the Tlfk as I like the detail and balance.

The Spin-Clean washer thingie has been a sheer pleasure to use. I recently got a Herbie's mat, a clamp, and upgraded (at least I think so) the cart to a Denon DL-110 which noticeably improved the sound. I've had out-of-body groove-trances a few nights playing old forgotten stuff like Jackson Browne, Fogelberg, Ronstadt, on the office rig. I expect I'll be looking to upgrade the turntable in the next year or two and move the it to the den after ripping is done. But I'm betting the Bellari 530 will keep me happy for quite a while. One other thing: Amazon has the vp530 here and has a liberal return policy.

Craig

Edit: There are 2 Bellari links above. I couldn't change the link color.

[Dawgfish]

I highly recommend the Jolida JD-9 phono pre. It's infinitely adjustable, responds well to tube rolling, and the performance to price ratio is off the charts! It can also be modded for relatively little and taking to the next level(s).

[asindc]

Your response leaves me curious. I'm also researching building a starter vinyl system. Jeff Dorgay of tonepublications.com is a vinyl fanatic, and suggests that the bulk of the budget should be spent on the TT, tonearm, and phono pre, with the cartridge being the least of the four that has an effect on sound quality. I'm assuming from your breakdown that the TT in your example comes pre-mounted with a tonearm.

I'm interested in hearing anyone elaborate on their budget allocation preferences in this regard.

[asindc]

Budget if buying new: 40% TT, 35% cartridge, 25% phono pre

Forgot to quote miner in previous post:

Your response leaves me curious. I'm also researching building a starter vinyl system. Jeff Dorgay of tonepublications.com is a vinyl fanatic, and suggests that the bulk of the budget should be spent on the TT, tonearm, and phono pre, with the cartridge being the least of the four that has an effect on sound quality. I'm assuming from your breakdown that the TT in your example comes pre-mounted with a tonearm.

I'm interested in hearing anyone elaborate on their budget allocation preferences in this regard.

[vc69]

Hey asindc,
This thread has kind of died, though the original idea has not. I am sure we are going to end up with a VPI Traveler or a Music Hall 5.1 TT, a Jolida JD-9 preamp. I really have no idea about the carts as these two tables I am looking at come with one and I will probably just go that route until I learn something about all of this stuff. I can get a Traveler with a Grado cart for $1,500 and a Music Hall mmf 5.1 w/cart for around $900. since I just bought a DAC, the Music Hall is much more likely at this time.

[asindc]

Hey asindc,
This thread has kind of died, though the original idea has not. I am sure we are going to end up with a VPI Traveler or a Music Hall 5.1 TT, a Jolida JD-9 preamp. I really have no idea about the carts as these two tables I am looking at come with one and I will probably just go that route until I learn something about all of this stuff. I can get a Traveler with a Grado cart for $1,500 and a Music Hall mmf 5.1 w/cart for around $900. since I just bought a DAC, the Music Hall is much more likely at this time.

I'll probably end up doing the same thing, just getting a pre-packaged setup. I'm looking closely at the Clearaudio Concept. Getting an all-in-one setup just seems like a great way to get acclimated.

[nspindel]

I just got back into vinyl myself. Bought a used Thorens TD-166 MK II from upstatemax, in great condition, along with a Shure mx97xe cartridge, and am using a Dared MC-7P preamp with integrated phono stage. I am very, very happy.....

[vc69]

Everybody loves those Thorens tables. I am in an area where I never see used TT's that are worth having.

[Big Dawg]

I have a Thorens TD320 (original version) with a TP16 MK III tonearm that's waiting for me to tune up. It's the first Thorens I've ever owned. Looking forward to hearing what it can do. Gonna pair it with the Cambridge 640P for now.

[mister pig]

There is a lot to be said for a Rega P3, Dynavector 20X cartridge, and Phenomena phono stage. Although Technics 1200 is a very fine table for what it sells for also.

Regards
Mister Pig

[vc69]

Turntables and their associated gears are like religion to so many. It is incredibly hard to know what to purchase by just looking at stuff on the web and reading people's opinions of the different turntables. There are no dealers within 200 miles that even have a TT rig set up, let alone an assortment of tables to try out. It can be really frustrating trying to figure all of this out. I have heard both great things and horrible things about the Rega TT's. I have chosen to just stay away from them. Where the phono stage is concerned, I have really settled on the Jolida JD-9. But thanks for the suggestions, mister pig.

[dolsey01]

I feel your pain, going through the same thing right now. I just bought a Pro-Ject Carbon and I'm already thinking of returning it and getting the 5.1 or Xpression III. I really love it but knowing I will probably upgrade it in a year or two has me thinking I should just take the plunge now.

Since you don't have a dealer close, why not make your purchase from Amazon, they have the 5.1 and the Traveler available fulfilled by Amazon and Prime eligible. At least if you need or want to return, it would be easy enough.

[Blownrx7]

I am looking to get into an analog rig in the near future. I have an extensive vinyl collection that I very much want to listen to. It has been YEARS since I have owned a TT and things have certainly changed, so I am looking for suggestions. In particular, an entry level set-up that is within a 1.2k to 1.5k range and is a known good combination of cart/pre and table. Ease of setup is a factor as I am inexperienced, but I am confident and determined. My sig has the other associated equipment involved.
I know there are some veterans here that have the knowledge so please, do share some thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

Kevin,
If you can find one that is fully functional and not a rip-off price, get the SL-1200. Millions of users can't be wrong!
For a phono pre, I highly recommend the PS Audio GCPH not just for the good sound it provides but the versatility as well - It can handle MM or MC with plenty of adjustability. For a MC cartridge I highly recommend the Denon DL-103R. I liked it better than a Grado Platinum that was also way better than a Sumiko Blue Point Special II.
HTH

[trans am]

Kevin,
If you can find one that is fully functional and not a rip-off price, get the SL-1200. Millions of users can't be wrong!
For a phono pre, I highly recommend the PS Audio GCPH not just for the good sound it provides but the versatility as well - It can handle MM or MC with plenty of adjustability. For a MC cartridge I highly recommend the Denon DL-103R. I liked it better than a Grado Platinum that was also way better than a Sumiko Blue Point Special II.
HTH

Im curious too I also have a sl-1200mk2 and replaced the cartridge last night with a ortofon red m2. it sounds amazing and was only 90 bux. did i do the right thing? my question is the rca plugs on the 1200 are soldered into the bottom and are too short. I have to do mysetup based around the short cables on the techiniques. I could save a lot of money on wire if i could extend the rca on the turntable. I want to change to some anti cable ics. is there a guide for this?