Budget Vinyl Rigs

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

  1. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    I managed to get a Pioneer PL-S30 from a friend who was offloading it. It's pretty old but seems to work. It comes with a red Audio-Technica cartridge (I think it's an AT70). While looking for documentation I think it might also be known as a PL-340.

    Anyway, has anyone heard this turntable before? Any knowledge on whether more expensive cartridge or phono preamp upgrades are worth it for this?
     
  2. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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  3. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    I have a Pyle Pro which I'm definitely going to upgrade. It doesn't even come with a grounding screw. At the very least a TC-750 and then maybe a DIY board.
     
  4. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    If you want a first-gen Pro-Ject Phono Box for the cost of shipping from Canada, let me know. But I think you'd be better off with the TC-750 for not that much more money, and upgrade potential.
     
  5. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    I'll think about it!
     
  6. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    I was planning to offer it up to celebrate my SBAF birthday, so don't think too long!
    :bird:
     
  7. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    I've got a Kenwood KD-2070 that I got off of eBay for about $35 and I used to run it into an Onkyo TX-8555 that fed some so-so Polk Audio bookshelf speakers.

    Now, I still have the same TT, but I feed it into a PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter that, in turn, takes a digital signal into Gungnir Multibit. This NuWave Phono Converter also allows me to "rip" vinyl to my PC - the main reason I purchased it.

    At some point I'll pick up some better gear - pre-amp, amp, and new speakers - but for now, I'm pretty busy enjoying what I have. If I get bitten by the vinyl bug big time, perhaps a new TT will find its way into my home.
     
  8. powermatic

    powermatic Friend

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    Maintain that attitude.
     
  9. Ntbm3

    Ntbm3 Friend

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    Need to pick your guys brain....

    I am ready to get my first turntable and target is 1k-ish budget. There are some very good options now.

    Rega P3
    Mofi Studio
    VPI Cliffwood

    I am very torn.

    Love the Rega for easy plug and play... plus tons of aftermarket mods and tweaks out there!!

    Mofi is a very nice looking package and seems to perform on same level as the Rega P3. Also no mods out there so I can be content to just enjoy

    Cliffwood is the unknown.... Currently there is an open box on music direct for $720... but like the VPI look and heavy platter approach.

    Any thoughts....? I am leaning to the Rega at the moment.
     
  10. Mr.Sneis

    Mr.Sneis Friend

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    My vote is the rega, you get nice upgrade options.
     
  11. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    Not really curious about it (have my eye on other tables), but has anyone here any experience with that new Sony PS-HX500? I don't like how it looks (literally and figuratively), but I'm curious about plug and play tables that can rip to digital. I'm guessing this is set to compete against something like the Pro-Ject Debut Recordmaster?
     
  12. powermatic

    powermatic Friend

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    It's always kind of annoyed me that Rega arms dont have azimuth or vta/sra adjustment.

    If you can wait, you might want to hold out for the Sol, which may/may not be coming out soon, may/may not be under 1k, and may/may not punch above its price.

    A used Scout v.1 or 1.1 in good shape is a musically satisfying choice if you can find one in your price range.
     
  13. Mr.Sneis

    Mr.Sneis Friend

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    But shims/adjustment ability for vta is no big deal and not too expensive or difficult. Your typical technics sl1200 cant even azimuth. Were talking budget table here!
     
  14. powermatic

    powermatic Friend

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    Wasn't disparaging your choice of the Rega, of the OP's three choices, I'd probably go with the p3 too.
     
  15. Ntbm3

    Ntbm3 Friend

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    Thanks for the thoughts guys!

    I have been reading more. The mofi studio really seems like a good option.

    Though I love to tinker, It would probably be best to get table that limits aftermarket stuff.

    The Rega will probably be a black hole of mods and $$... might be best to avoid.

    Plus I have not records... so need focus on building up a collection.
     
  16. powermatic

    powermatic Friend

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    Records are good!
     
  17. Decomo

    Decomo Almost "Made"

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    +1 for Rega. So easy to use and excellent deck for first timer. Not sure why need to mod Rega TT. By the time, you are outgrown the TT, you can just sell it off and get higher end TT. Rega resale value is great. :)
     
  18. Ntbm3

    Ntbm3 Friend

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    ugghhh you are not helping :)

    Currently leaning strongly toward the mofi studio. The rega definitely does not need to be modded, but the fact that there are so many modding options out there... I worry I will dabble.

    But... resale consideration is something to consider. Mofi is unknown.

    Thanks for you thoughts!
     
  19. Decomo

    Decomo Almost "Made"

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    Mofi is great deck too so you will not be disappointed.
    Not sure if you have seen this and here is a comparison video between Mofi and Rega P3. Just food for thought...
     
  20. deniall83

    deniall83 Acquaintance

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    I'd buy the Rega. Grab the Neo PSU at a later date to dial in the speed to exactly 33.3 and it's all you need at that price point.
     

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