Entry Level Turntable

[MylesBAstor]

Under $1500 with arm and cartridge.

Rega, Project, VPI, Music-Hall, etc.

What would or have you recommended to a friend?

[Rob]

All good suggestions.

I'm not good for the industry, I would always recommend a used 'table. A few years ago I picked up an LP12/Ittok LVIII/Valhalla for less than $1500 and it was a kick in the pants, the cool factor is also high being the iconic classic that it is. I would have kept it if I had the shelf space.

[Steve Lefkowicz]

All good suggestions.

I'm not good for the industry, I would always recommend a used 'table. A few years ago I picked up an LP12/Ittok LVIII/Valhalla for less than $1500 and it was a kick in the pants, the cool factor is also high being the iconic classic that it is. I would have kept it if I had the shelf space.

As much as I love my Linn / Ittok rig, unless someone was a tinkerer or more into the equipment side of things, I would always start a beginner out with something like a Rega, Project, or Music Hall. The new GEM Dandy Polytable by George Merrill for $1495 (with a Jelco arm) seems intriguing too. However, I have a major aversion to turntables that don't come with a usable dust cover.

[allenh]

I was just talking to a friend about a used RP8 at 2K. A little above that limit, but bet it would be killer.

[microstrip]

If I had to consider only new equipment, not used, I would advise on a the Clearaudio Concept with a Sumiko or Ortofon cartridge. IMHO it is a great value for money in this price range.

[MylesBAstor]

I think given the vinyl expertise of someone at this price point that having a table/arm/cartridge package that comes completely setup is a big advantage. No fuss, no muss. Plus just a better chance of getting the best sound out of the turntable.

[JackD201]

Definitely! Then again thight might keep them from learning I believe REGA packages come all set and because this is how they sell them, they even devised a dummy prood three point mounting method. They'll still have to figure out how to change from 33 to 45 but that requires litte dexterity if not some unwanted effort. I've always respected Project and VPI but the old entry level table of Clearaudio (old Emotion) and the Goldrings were disasters. Gonna have a hard time pitching vinyl to a CD listener with these. The Concept looks so much better built.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Marantz TT-15S1....$1499

Built by Clearaudio

[Analog21]

When the budget conversation starts, such as no more than $1500, I always think of the best used item I can get rather than thinking new. So with that, I would such getting a used/demo VPI Scout, which you should be able to find I would think, with an Ortofon 2m cart to start.

[Analog21]

Where VPI seems to excel is upgrades down the line - for the Scout, you can change the platter, soon to be able to change the tonearm to a 9" 3d arm, periphery ring, etc. And can easily upgrade to a Prime down the line as many dealers offer trade-ins. I've come to view buying new gear for the long term as much as the short term, especially turntables.

[MylesBAstor]

Where VPI seems to excel is upgrades down the line - for the Scout, you can change the platter, soon to be able to change the tonearm to a 9" 3d arm, periphery ring, etc. And can easily upgrade to a Prime down the line as many dealers offer trade-ins. I've come to view buying new gear for the long term as much as the short term, especially turntables.

Seems more and more table manufacturers are doing that. Builds brand loyalty and satisfied customers.

[JCOConnell]

Where VPI seems to excel is upgrades down the line - for the Scout, you can change the platter, soon to be able to change the tonearm to a 9" 3d arm, periphery ring, etc. And can easily upgrade to a Prime down the line as many dealers offer trade-ins. I've come to view buying new gear for the long term as much as the short term, especially turntables.

The only thing I don't like about VPI now is since they have started selling arms, they are less accommodating selling turntables setup for other arms like they used to be. Now they just assume you want a VPI arm with your table. Maybe they still offer cutouts and armboards for other arms, they sure don't promote it if they do.

[Andy]

I think given the vinyl expertise of someone at this price point that having a table/arm/cartridge package that comes completely setup is a big advantage. No fuss, no muss. Plus just a better chance of getting the best sound out of the turntable.

+1
After a decades long absence ( w/ no tt) I got a demo Rega RP8 w/ tonearm and the Rega cartidge - all from and set up by the dealer.
( a bit more costly that Myles' target price point but will illustrate the concept)
After a year - took it back and had an upgraded cartridge installed - also by the dealer.
After another year - now ready for another step up.
IMHO - no substitute for a "package" that a reliable dealer can set up for the uninitiated or unsure or inexperienced.

[MylesBAstor]

+1
After a decades long absence ( w/ no tt) I got a demo Rega RP8 w/ tonearm and the Rega cartidge - all from and set up by the dealer.
( a bit more costly that Myles' target price point but will illustrate the concept)
After a year - took it back and had an upgraded cartridge installed - also by the dealer.
After another year - now ready for another step up.
IMHO - no substitute for a "package" that a reliable dealer can set up for the uninitiated or unsure or inexperienced.

Great testimony Andy. A good dealer is worth their weight in gold.

[Steve Lefkowicz]

The only thing I don't like about VPI now is since they have started selling arms, they are less accommodating selling turntables setup for other arms like they used to be. Now they just assume you want a VPI arm with your table. Maybe they still offer cutouts and armboards for other arms, they sure don't promote it if they do.

You also don't often see VPI arms on other brands of table. Surprising seeing their seemingly high performance/price ratio.