First time turntable

[ismelllikepoop]

currently have a line magnetic 518, considering my first turntable. bought a Rega fono off the gon as a cheap phonostage. any recommendations? budget is from 500-1500, listen to stuff like Ryan Adams, Ben Harper, medeski Martin and wood. currently in a small apartment, but honestly reading about vinyl it sounds like it can be a pain if you don't know what you are doing which describes me

[2fastdriving]

Rega RP-3 with Elys cartdridge. That's under 1500 and it's not bad at all.

[livestrong]

If you're not sure whether or not you're going to like it, you might see if anyone local has one you could borrow for awhile. Or find something reasonable on craigslist so that if you decide it isn't for you, you're not out too much money. If, on the other hand, you decide you really enjoy it, then you might be willing to invest in a nice table.


If you're set on jumping in - these are just a couple ideas…

At Under $500 - I like the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon
At $1,000 - the Rega RP3 is quite nice

I noticed a used Music Hall MMF-5.1 on the gon for under $700 - I think that is a very nice table.

Vinyl is a labor of love for sure - it isn't always "easy" but at the same time, it can be very rewarding and enjoyable. I know for me it got me back into music again and I sure do enjoy it. You may not know until you give it a try. If you're able to, stop into a few local shops, tell them you're completely new to vinyl and ask them to give you a little 101 overview. In my opinion, you don't need to spend crazy money to enjoy it!

[Dr. Sleep]

I had the RP3 and replaced it with a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with the Ortofon 2M Red. To my ears, the 2M red has made all the difference. Installed, out of the box easy set up.

I don't listen to vinyl that much so it has proved a great value, sounds very good!

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[magoo]

Bit of a left field suggestion: Grab a Technics Sl1210 off fleabay, attach an Ortofon LH6000 headshell & a Denon 103R cartridge. Sit back & enjoy some seriously decent vinyl replay

Add in some better feet than the Technics arrives with & honestly, you'll have a TT that will put many modern decks to shame! You can go much further with modifications, fitting better arms & platters and so on, but I got this far & decided for now that if it ain't broke, stop worrying & play music

ps....if you fancy an even easier life, Ortofon now do the 2M range with an integrated headshell that would attach to the Technics arm