Budget Vinyl Rigs

Discussion in 'Vinyl Nutjob World: Turntable and Related Gear' started by Merrick, Feb 26, 2016.

  1. MoatsArt

    MoatsArt Friend

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    I wish that I had a misspent youth.

    **What? No Mum. I'm not criticising you, just talking to a delinquent friend.**
     
  2. powermatic

    powermatic Friend

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    Why not try used previously owned: I'd suggest a VPI Scout 1.0 w/JMW 9 arm, available for around 1k. Yeah, it has the acrylic platter, but I don't think that's a negative, and frankly I think it's one of VPIs best sounding SAMA, no-suspension decks. The bigger and heavier they get seems to rob them of PRAT. If you enjoy the whole process, then you'll need a (used) SDS, and the improvement is NOT SUBTLE! And of course, buying used allows you to recoup most/all of your 'investment' should you decided to sell.
     
  3. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    Used/previously owned isn't enough of a saving to be worth the risk at this end of the market (for me). And absent the ability to properly inspect, and test, the unit it'd have to come from someone I knew and trusted or be via a dealer. Far too many potential issues otherwise.

    Since I am, by no means, new to vinyl (I have about 12,000 albums in total), this isn't a "will I get on with it" thing. It's purely about a bit of fun for the office and, as such, whether to buy some basic as a novelty or to accelerate when I do a major upgrade to my vinyl rig at home and just move that table to the office.
     
  4. powermatic

    powermatic Friend

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    "...12,000 albums..."

    Yep. Never mind.:rolleyes:
     
  5. mrflibble

    mrflibble Friend

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    I am planning on getting back into vinyl and am in the market for a nice starter table. At some point I will be using the table for digitizing vinyl.

    Previously, I owned a Rotel RP855, but I unfortunately sold it a few years ago. I was wondering what people's opinions are of vintage (late 1970's / early 80's) Japanese direct drive turntables?

    The JVC QL series look like nice tables and there is a JVC QL-5 that I have my eye on. Would this turntable compare well with the current crop of Project and Rega budget tables, and with the Rotel RP855 I previously owned? It has quartz locked speed control in addition to direct drive.
     
  6. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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  7. Grahad2

    Grahad2 Red eyes from too much anime

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    Maybe the better models can be the house of marvey (approved).
     
  8. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    USB out makes it a non-starter.
     
  9. Geo335

    Geo335 New

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    Been reading through this thread

    Probably going to be getting into this soon, very excited about collecting albums.

    This thread has kind of got me looking at one of the U-Turn models with the acrylic platter, the ortofon 2M red and a cue lever.

    So my integrated amplifier (which I will continue to use) does not have a phono input. No big deal, but does anyone have experience with the built-in Pluto Pre-amp option for the U-Turn orbit? I am a big fan of anything that cuts down on clutter, but if it is garbage then I am fine having a separate.

    Of course there is also some good stuff on Audiogon - I feel like i haven't seen much mention of second hand gear in this thread. Vintage maybe, but that's not something I'm prepared to deal with right now. Is there an argument to be made for a $500 U-Turn Orbit instead of a used Rega P-03?

    edit - thanks for any advice, either experience with these units or well informed 'guesses'
     
  10. gaspasser

    gaspasser Flatulence Maestro

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    So the consensus is to go with a new U-turn Orbit in the under $500 category. Buying a used TT is something I would do in the upper price levels or buy from someone you know or a reputable dealer. I wouldn't trust people who don't have a lot of experience handling and shipping TTs.

    I own a Pro-ject Debut Carbon and wish I had purchased a Uturn. In terms of the phono preamp, I would urge you to look into TCC-TC750 thread. Even with the upgraded plug from their eBay store it beats the Mani and the iFi iPhono 2 (all I tried simultaneously). It is an additional box but cheaper and I bet better than Pluto and upgradeable. Good luck and keep reading the threads here.
     
  11. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

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    @Gaspasser already hit you with the good advice, I will pile on and say go for the U-Turn. Putting aside the fact that the cheap Rega tables are suck (you can argue that about the expensive ones too) U-turn's customer support is kind of unbeatable for what you're paying. In case vinyl turns out to be not for you (it's not for everyone) they have a very generous return policy. I've read decent things about the Pluto but I would avoid built in pre-amps for several reasons. The TC750 is likely as good stock and cheaper while also being tweak-able to beat most SS phono stages under $500.

    I would skip the 2M Red, it's just not a very good sounding cart. If you don't want to get the 2M Blue from them I would just get the cheapest cart they have and pick up a Shure M97xE off Amazon for $99. Get some experience installing it yourself (trust me, it's not that hard on a starter table) and get sound comparable to the Blue for $100 less.

    EDIT: Someone just posted this deal http://www.frys.com/product/8534279?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

    AT440MLb (pretty much same cart as AT440MLa and VM540ML, just discontinued/renamed/recolored because AT) for $120. See if you have a Fry's near you that stocks one.
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2017
  12. Geo335

    Geo335 New

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    Hey thanks to both of you. I feel pretty good about the u-turn decision - I've seen some negative comments about it, but of course there is going to be some compromise at the very low end of something.

    The advice about the different cartridge is solid. Thanks. Obviously I'm new, I have no idea which cartridges are gonna sound better or not. I would be fine getting the blue ortofon cart if it sounds much better, but I guess I could just get the AT one based on what you've said.

    Thanks again
     
  13. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    The Orbit in arcylic and white is super sexy! The internal or external phonos any good on these? For a starter up set, this is pretty hard to pass up. I figured anything worth getting in the TT world was going to be 2K+ and from Rega...so little I know apparently!
     
  14. JayC

    JayC Resident Crash Test Dummy

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    Not true exactly. I have a debut carbon with the acrylic platter and a Nagaoka MP110 cart, with the TC750 phono (+Sola power supply) and it really kicks some serious ass! I would pick this over my current simple digital setup (GOV2A) even if we're only talking sound quality!

    Of course, cheaper turntables like these have limitations - on mine, there's no VTA adjustment so I had to use shims to get the cart aligned properly over multiple setup iterations.. Also, sounds transmit really easily to the needle - for example when i shut the lid, I hear the sound when the lid hits the plinth over the speakers. Then there's also better tonearms, better platters, carts, etc etc, all of which add up to a significant overall bump in sound quality :)
     
  15. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    I always removed the cover when playing a record, sounds better that way and no bump ........because no closing of the cover. :D
     
  16. aPole

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    I found a VPI scout for sale on Craigslist near me for 1500 (includes clamp, marble base, and cover) would this be a good first table? Don’t worry I am going to spend some time at the analog room to see if the whole record thing suits me. Any recommendations on a cartridge for such a table?
     
  17. Stapsy

    Stapsy Friend

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    There are many versions of the scout. It could be a great deal and it could be a terrible deal. It is hard to tell without more information.
     
  18. monacelli

    monacelli Friend

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    If you're 18, as your profile shows, and don't own much vinyl, my recommendation would be to go with the U-Turn and spend the money you'd save on records. Since you've never owned a turntable before, it's pretty much impossible for someone to tell you what kind of cart you'd like, so don't spend a ton of money on one. My suggestion would be to go with a high-value cart like the Nagaoka MP-110 until you learn more about your preferences. Vinyl rigs are incredibly personal, much moreso than digital chains. You won't know what you really want until you get your feet wet.
     
  19. aPole

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    Its a VPI Aries Scout.
     
  20. Stapsy

    Stapsy Friend

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    Then probably overpriced.
     

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