Hi all, quietly building my rare vinyl collection but no turntable yet! What would be your recommendation for a great sounding affordable TT for less than $400 (new/used)? I was eyeing the Pro-ject T1 but not sure yet. I would prefer one that has an IEC AC socket for using aftermarket AC cables. Thank you
Intro
It is a real challenge to begin with vinyl on a limited budget and steer clear of the potholes in the road. Or start with a discouraging learning curve that comes with a vintage player that needs maintenance or adjusting, or fullout repair (I have a beautiful Dual 1209 here that has a seemingly simple defect, the speed lever, but is broken underneath with hard to find parts, costly and a challenge even for me).
That's why it's hard to recommend a second hand TT, as it's always on a piece by piece basis. Yes, you can point to good models or brands but you never know the mileage or what's hidden under the bonnet (why always the used car metaphors?).
Vintage or new
I have around 10 turntables here, 1 new, 1 used and the rest vintage. I have not gotten one vintage player that was ready to play. So, buying a new one will save you many headaches. The smart choice is therefore on new; plug, play and simply enjoy.
Value proposition
As I'm in Europe, prices are different because of transport. I can buy the Pro-ject T1 on your list for €325 (that is including 21% VAT). That changes perspective on value for money, doesn't it? Towards the U-turn. As much as I love Pro-ject and appreciate their giant investment in making vinyl affordable, U-turn started much later and is doing the same locally. They look good and focus on what matters. The Orbit plus is a solid choice for $399.
The U-turn
If I had to choose I would chose the U-turn custom.
https://uturnaudio.com/products/orbit-custom Because I can chose instantly what is most important and not waste money on things in the package that don't bring better sound. Or real value from other viewpoints (aesthetic).
So what matters to sound quality
Beyond the basic parts like the body, the motor, the arm and the spindle that are well thought out and made, you can improve the sound the most with a good cartridge. But a good cartridge can't work well even on a good magnesium (Al-Mg alloy I suppose) arm. Also their cheapest cartridge is the best choice by far. If the cartridge doesn't have a stable vibration free platform, it won't sound good.
+ Keep the AT91
I know because I have several of them and I love them for their highly engaging character. I find the Ortofon 2M and even more the OM range bland and lifeless. A true waste of money. The Audio Technica AT91 costs $10 and is technically superior, only the spherical bonded stylus keeps cost down. More on that later upgrades.
+ Choose the acrylic platter which will give it more and better contact with the vinyl lp than with a felt matt. This means better transients, better dynamics, better bass, less sibilance because it leads vibrations from the stylus away to mass instead of keeping it in the thin lp.
+ Upgraded feet are adjustable and the sorbothane is simply magical when it comes to absorbing vibrations.
? Electronic speed control. 80 extra is a lot of money and it brings a bit speed stability improvement and some convenience. I'd save the money.
? Solid walnut or oak body. It does not improve sound but it does give it more (resale) value. It's 120 extra. Ask your significant other if it's worth it.
? Preamp. You need one somewhere. 80 looks very decent looking at the board.
- cue armlift. 50 for easy needle dropping. Save money here. No sonic benefit.
So if I skip the extra ? I can't answer for you I come to a total of $414. I think you'll get the best sound for that money.
Easy upgrade part.
The AT91 (or 3600, same thing) is vastly under apreciated. And like any MM cartridge it is easily upgraded with better space, air and definition with a better stylus. I bought some upgrade styli at LP-Gear (expensive for me because of customs and p&p) but easy in the US.
https://www.lpgear.com/category/AT3600.html
the carbon fidelity CFN3600LE at $40 is a better choice than any of the choices offered by U-turn. Very stiff and light carbon cantilever and elliptical stylus gives more bass and much more refined highs while retaining the basic engaging character.
I also have the $129 dlx vivid line, even more refined and airy. And a 2 second upgrade.
The LENSS at $62.40 has a nude elliptical stylus (lighter thus faster transients). You won't find ANY nude elliptical stylus or cartridge anywhere under $125. The 2M blue also has a EN stylus and comes in at $225.
Edit: I agree with above. The phono amp is very important and often overlooked. I haven't seen any reviews on the U-turn internal board but it looks ok (good parts!) and 'you gotta start somewhere'. But upgrading the phono amp is more important than getting a better cartridge. By that I mean: I enjoy the AT91 (or 3600) on a 1k phono-amp. $40 on a stylus for the AT91 is a no brainer, but a $100+ 'upgrade' cartridge is a waste of money on a cheap phono-amp.
I watched a video yesterday i think from Lehmann Audio (of the Black Cube), who said that as a rule you should spend twice as much on the phono stage than on the cartridge.
Graham Slee also makes very good ones. Though the Schiit Mani would be fine for a start.
Somehow youtube seems to be showering me with Fluance reviews? Yet if I compare the U-turn to the Fluance RT85N I prefer the U-turn (and its $100 cheaper). I think the straight arm with fixed headshell is far preferable for sonic reasons. Better rigidity and control and less contacts give a better stereo image and more resolution. (I know from experience). I also like the inverted spindle.
What intrigues me (but doesn't surprise me) is that the 2M blue is double the price of the Nagaoka 110 yet they sell them at the same price (which means the 2M is vastly overpriced and over valued).