[BLACKENEDPLAGUE]

  I absolutely hate to start a "what should I buy post" but I honestly read the last about 15-20 pages of this thread and still cannot make up my mind. I want to invest in a turntable rig...budget is around $500-$600. I need turntable and preamp. Want to buy new because I don't have as much time as I used to for troubleshooting problems, maintenance, etc. There are so many budget options and I am completely lost...looking at the Rega RP1 (everyone seems to like that as an entry level option), but then there are various offerings by Pro-Jekt - Debut III, Debut Carbon, Carbon 2M-R, RM 1.3 etc etc. I am completely lost. I am open to suggestions and would really appreciate some help deciding on a turntable and a preamp. Thanks!

 
My local audio dealer recommended the Debut Carbon + the Musical Fidelity V90-LPS

 

[bbophead]

I recommend the RP1 w/ NAD PP2i.

 

[ostewart]

I recently got a very good condition Dual 435-1 turntable
Not the best I know, but it only cost me £75.
As cartridges go I am thinking of getting an Audio Technica AT95.

What do you guys think?

Also is it worth upgrading the mat? Original is felt.

I lubed the turntable up and replaced the belt first.

 

[backtofront001]

Thanks for the responses. Two for RP1 and one for the Project. If there are better TTs out there within the 600 dollar range or if there is a big performance boost spending a 100 or so more, please drop me a line. Don't forget I need a preamp as well. Thanks!

 

[Skylab]

I recently got a very good condition Dual 435-1 turntable
Not the best I know, but it only cost me £75.
As cartridges go I am thinking of getting an Audio Technica AT95.

What do you guys think?

Also is it worth upgrading the mat? Original is felt.

I lubed the turntable up and replaced the belt first.

That Dual was originally supplied with a Dual branded Shure cartridge. So while that AT will probably be fine, you should also consider the Shure M97xE which is a fine cartridge. I actually like it better than the entry level AT carts as it has a warmer, more forgiving sound.

 

[ostewart]

Thanks Skylab, I shall have a look for one of those Shure cartridges. I have always heard great things about the Shure cartridges.

I'll probably get the iPhono too so I can connect it to headphone amps and happy listening.

Just building a vinyl collection. Any classic LP's people would recommend?

 

[BLACKENEDPLAGUE]

Thanks for the responses. Two for RP1 and one for the Project. If there are better TTs out there within the 600 dollar range or if there is a big performance boost spending a 100 or so more, please drop me a line. Don't forget I need a preamp as well. Thanks!

 
If you can go to the $600 mark for the TT alone then do this:
 
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-10484-rega-rp1-turntable-gray-demo.aspx
 
+
 
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-3738-goldring-2100-mm-cartridge.aspx
 
for the preamp:
 
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-144107-musical-fidelity-v90-lps-mmmc-phono-preamp.aspx
 
 
 
You should act fast on that turntable

 

[Arsis]

Hey guys,

Here's a question for all you turntable guys. I just picked up a copy of the new Jack White album. It's a unique album in that one side plays from the inside out. I have a Realistic linear tracking turntable. Do you guys think it will play it? Should I run the risk of ruining either the record or the player?

 

[CH23]

Hey guys,

Here's a question for all you turntable guys. I just picked up a copy of the new Jack White album. It's a unique album in that one side plays from the inside out. I have a Realistic linear tracking turntable. Do you guys think it will play it? Should I run the risk of ruining either the record or the player?

You can play side B, but not side A, or the inner labels. Sorry man.

 

[Arsis]

my wife has a cheapy sony lx-300 it'll do. boo...
time for me to upgrade

 

[analogsurviver]

Hey guys,

Here's a question for all you turntable guys. I just picked up a copy of the new Jack White album. It's a unique album in that one side plays from the inside out. I have a Realistic linear tracking turntable. Do you guys think it will play it? Should I run the risk of ruining either the record or the player?

If the Realistic TT is actually Technics built ( I think it is ), inside out play will not work, as the sensor for corrrection of tangency is only for the normal operation. 
That is the reason why CH23 correctly replied which parts of this record are playable by Technics ( built ) linear tables.
 
Upgrading a very good table because ONE record out of ???? ( all the rest in existance ) ?

 

[Arsis]

If the Realistic TT is actually Technics built ( I think it is ), inside out play will not work, as the sensor for corrrection of tangency is only for the normal operation. 
That is the reason why CH23 correctly replied which parts of this record are playable by Technics ( built ) linear tables.

Upgrading a very good table because ONE record out of ???? ( all the rest in existance ) ?

Ssshhhhh! my wife might hear you!

 

[analogsurviver]

Ssshhhhh! my wife might hear you!

OK, I see the only "real advantage CD has over LP" strikes again...
 
Smuggling it past the wife, that is 

 !

 

[RUMAY408]

Jack White's new album Lazaretto is good but not on the level of Blunderbuss (one of the best sounding vinyl albums I've ever heard) 
 
Some of the tricked out new vinyl album is cool, like the floating hologram angel on side A.  
The reverse side A is frustrating, hitting the mark on the inside to catch the opening is not easy and the endless note at the end is more annoying than fun.
 
I refuse to ruin my stylus on the inside label at 45rpm and 78rpm is not an option.  
The vinyl is well mastered and the slower acoustic songs are very good.
 
Overall the vinyl is so different and Jack White spent so much attention to detail I felt the buy was worth it.
 
Hard to justify a new TT buy because of this album, but if it's an upgrade any excuse is worth it 

 

[xantus]

hoio all.  I'm on the hunt for a new preamp.  I'm currently using a Nagaoka 555 -> Art DJPREII -> Stax srm-1  
 
the output from the 555 is on the low side (~3mv) and my main amp is often cranked to 3 o'clock.   is there a good <200$ preamp that will give me more output?