Turn-Tables

I am interested in adding a turntable to my existing system, but I don't have the first clue as to who makes a good one that will last, and is as high quality as the rest of my system. Any suggestions folks? They would be greatly appreciated. Thanx

What kind of budget are we talking about here?

What kind of budget are we talking about here?

And what kind of gear is in play in your system?

My budget for a T/T right now is between $300-$500. However if my mad-money job picks up, it could possibly be higher. Not necessarily looking to add one right now, but eventually I am wanting to integrate one into my current system.

My current music system consists of the following:

Carver HR-742 Receiver
Carver SD/A-350 CD Player
DBX 1BX-DS Dynamic Range Controller
RANE ME 60 2-channel 30 band Graphic EQ
Ashly CFT-1800 amplifier
2 sets of Infinity Studio Monitors (4 ea SM155)
(AND THEN UPON COMPLETION OF MY NEW PROJECT: A set of 72" Line Source Speakers )

Thats gonna be tough on your budget,, you might want to go used,,look for a Project or Music Hall TT with a Denon 103 or 103R cart. Do you have a phono pre?If not figure another 300-500 for a decent one.Good luck in your search--keep us posted.

You should also keep an eye out for a used "The AR Turntable" or it's successor, an AR EC-101. You should be able to get one in the $200 range. That leaves you $300 to pick up a decent cartridge. I'd recommend an Ortofon 2M bronze. If you want new, Zoot Horn's recommendations are both good TT's. Rega P3's are also good TT's.

Skip's got some good recommendations there. The "AR Turntable," also sold as models "XA" (without cueing) and "XB" (with cueing) are still quite respectable performers even though they are some 30 or more years old. Ditto for some of the Thorens turntables of that vintage, e.g., TD125, TD 160, but stay away from the cheaper TD145 and TD165. Anything Rega makes or has made are great performers within their respective price classes.

Here's a really nice one on ebay right now: http://cgi.ebay.com/THORENS-TD125-w-Sumiko-Premier-MMT-Tonearm-Great-Cond-/180520860260?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2a07e1ba64

In fact, there are any number of decent ones on ebay right now:

http://electronics.shop.ebay.com/Turntables-/48649/i.html?_npmv=3

and Audiogon, too: http://cgis.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/srch_fs.pl?searchstring=turntable&B1=go

Great find, Rabbit! Just a further note: When buying a turntable online, work with the seller to verify that it is securely packaged for shipment. Also, be sure to insure it adequately as turntables are inherently fragile and sometimes do not ship well.

Where is OBI56 when you need him ? He really knows TTs !

Don't buy the new crap as anything is your budget is crap.
On the other hand - for that dough you can find great stuff on ebay.
Later on - upgrade the cartridge - and you will be good to go.

Much of the best new stuff is geared toward DJ acts. Avoid that. Excellent turntables were being made in the 60's and 70's.

Like many, 9o% of my music is played with computer or CD, but when I have the time and energy to crank up a LP - it sounds better, and I don't even have my turntable hooked to my best system.

You can get a Denon 103R for 196.00 new in box and not on e-pay either,, that'll leave you aout 300 to spend on a good used tt,,just be sure that it's packed properly,if it has to be shipped--now you are good to go.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl? ... Hall-2.2le

Thank you all for your recommendations. I truly appreciate the advice, and the support I have found throughout this site. You guys rock. Thanks again everyone !