Beginner's intro to vinyl on a budget! - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

texashorn91 · 03-17-2008, 12:52 AM

Hello everyone

As I made a trip to visit my parents this weekend, I came across a ton of great old albums all boxed up in their garage!!! I thought they got rid of these a long time ago. I was shocked at what I found, and my dad just let me take them home with me. Now that I’m all excited, I want to purchase a turntable just for fun, not something especially detailed, or expensive for that matter. I have a CD player for that!

I have $200 to spend, but the most cost effective and cheaper the better. I have a Marantz 2226B that will be used as the phono preamp. If the phono preamp is as good as the rest of the receiver, it should sound just fine. If you suggest a different preamp, it must also be included in the budget.

I just want something reliable and fun (that’s what it’s all about, right!). I thought that buying cartridge, table, and tone arm separately might get me a better sound for the money. On the other hand, that may not be matched as well as something that came together in one package. My favorite local music store sells an Audio – Technica turntable for $100, so maybe this is a good option.

I know absolutely nothing about anything vinyl. Just FYI. I have no idea what to look for. Any help is greatly appreciated. Let me know if I can elaborate more.

Thanks again!
Craig Koenig

selfdivider · 03-17-2008, 01:05 AM

Hi. I hope you didn't buy the Audio-Technica table yet. You can get Pro-Ject Debut III, which comes with a legit cartridge (Ortofon OM-5E MM) for $299. Maybe you can do a little inquiring here & there & find a way to bring that price down a bit. Recession has hit the audio industry pretty hard, & I imagine there are dealers out there who'd be willing to strike a deal. It's a great option, all around. For $150 more, there's a USB version of that table - super-sweet, as you can record into your PC or Mac, and listen to your awesome out-of-print LPs on your iPod! With your budget, you'll get the most bang for your buck with Pro-Ject tables, they're pretty sweet.

Good luck!

texashorn91 · 03-17-2008, 01:08 AM

I didn't buy the Audio-Technica table yet. It does seem a little cheap. $299 is just too high a price tag for me. Thank your for your help. Is there another quality table less than $200?

texashorn91 · 03-17-2008, 01:11 AM

Just looked up the Pro-Ject Debut III. Wow, beautiful table! I would feel terrible about dishing out that amount of cash when I already have a decent system. Any other suggestions?

selfdivider · 03-17-2008, 01:18 AM

You should go used, in that case. Check Audiogon & I'll bet you a Pro-Ject Debut III in a great shape will pop up some time for less than $200. I think it's worth the trouble and the wait. Another way is to actually call some Pro-Ject dealers and inquire if they have demo units or trade-ins to sell. You can definitely make it happen, dude. MSRP is $299, but you gotta negotiate. There WILL be dealers who'll go lower.

Another killer entry table that might turn up on Audiogon which you should look out for is Rega P1. It retails for $350 or something, I think? If I were you, I'd only look toward those two for now. I wouldn't go vintage, b/c you'll need to be more familiar w/ TTs to deal w/ the problems. Pro-Jects & Regas will keep you spinning LPs happily, w/ no problems...

texashorn91 · 03-17-2008, 01:26 AM

A little more research has led to a couple more options...

Technics SLBD20D
Review on Musician's Friend didn't sound too good... seems as if this is not upgradeable. Is this a legit review?

Denon DP-29F
Looks pretty simple. Any impressions?

Thank you so much for your help everyone.

joelongwood · 03-17-2008, 01:33 AM

You might want to consider a TT from the same era as your beautiful Marantz.
Something like a belt drive Pioneer from the mid 70's. These, and similar TTs can be found in abundance on eBay.........BUT, the problem with eBay is that many sellers have no idea how to pack a TT properly. Believe me, I know firsthand of what I speak!
Here's a link to a guy who knows how to pack.......plus he's reputable. I have no affiliation other than being a satisfied customer. I believe his prices are fair, as well.
audio.net used audio equipment (audionet, audio net)

texashorn91 · 03-17-2008, 01:34 AM

Sorry you beat me to it. I had this window open while you posted

I love my initial impressions of the Pro-Ject Debut III and the Rega P1. You have a great idea of looking used and contacting dealers. I'll definitely look into that! Thanks! Any other options?

texashorn91 · 03-17-2008, 01:39 AM

joe - I am worried that buying something older and used will get me into trouble, as I cannot diagnose any sort of problem on a turntable. I think buying something newer would be a better option. Thanks!

joelongwood · 03-17-2008, 01:42 AM

Originally Posted by texashorn91

A little more research has led to a couple more options...

Technics SLBD20D
Review on Musician's Friend didn't sound too good... seems as if this is not upgradeable. Is this a legit review?

Denon DP-29F
Looks pretty simple. Any impressions?

Thank you so much for your help everyone.

I have quite a few technics....including the SL-BD20. While it's a reliable TT, and easy to set-up because of it's P-Mount cartridge system, there's just too much plastic for me, and it does affect the sound. I have a Direct Drive Technics SL-D2 that outshines it in every way, aesthetically as well as sonically. I would stick with at least a semi-automatic TT, one that lifts the arm up at the end of a record. I have a number of fully manual TTs around, and they don't get too much use as I've gotten lazy in my old age.