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I have a pair of the excellent Polk Audio bookshelf speakers, and I have a nice collection of vinyl that I'd like to play. What do the audio guys out there like for bang-for-buck integrated amps & turntables that fit the tenor of the speakers?
Thanks!
The Music Hall and Rega turntables give good performance for the money. You can get into crazy coin for the upper end on turntables, though.
I second the Rega suggestion it's impressive how good they sound. As far as amps go NAD and Rotel pretty much own the inexpensive end of the audio spectrum. If you haven't checked out Audiogon.com yet it may give you some ideas what kind of gear is out there.
These guys know what they're talking about. Audiogon is a fantastic site. I've used it to build up my stereo. Don't forget that you'll need a phono stage in order to use the turntable.
Personally, I like a tube pre-amp/phono for the front end. Seems appropriate if you're playing records, no?
Edit: You could do worse: http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tur...4-analog-32609. Just remember, if you've got a suspended floor mount the sucker on a wall rack (use lag bolts into the studs).
You're getting good advice here.
Rega makes a wonderful budget TT. NAD makes lovely budget integrated amps.
Not the highest of high-end, but I use an Ion TTUSB10 that I love - in the end, having a simple 1/8" audio jack for speakers like yours and a USB-out in addition to your standard audio output will come in handy, especially when you decide you have something on vinyl that you'd like to listen to on your computer, mp3 player, phone..etc. The sound quality is good, the drive is reliable, and the cost is quite reasonable. Ion makes nice products, and they will give you software with them to ensure you can get your conversion on, should you want to.
I'm going to try to control my inner audiophile geek on this one. In general, those USB turntables, or any super budget minded TT, will damage your records. Lack of the ability to dial in tracking weight, vertical tracking angle, lateral tracking angle, etc can put a very small, very hard, stylus tip into strange angles in your record's grooves. Oh, and those adjustments also allow for dialing in the best possible fidelity.Quote:
Originally Posted by Octave
With all that said, if a USB TT gets you what you want (i.e. listening to your music on the go), and you aren't concerned with the condition of your records, then all the power to you. If you discover new music or enjoy old music you wouldn't otherwise listen to then its a fantastic purchase.
I take a usb sound card, hook it up to the tape out of my integrated amp, and record my records losslessly with audacity software (its free!). For the price of the above USB TT you can buy a sound card and record your music with superior source electronics.
What components would you recommend?Quote:
Originally Posted by Britishbane
With regards to your OP or sound cards from the post you quoted?Quote:
Originally Posted by jsrieck
If the former, follow the suggestions above. And for more detail:
Turntables from: Rega, Music Hall, VPI (lower end), or even KAB modified Technics 1200's are all great values. The Rega in my previous post even comes with a killer Denon cart (assuming its in good condition). Kinda like picking up a used Felt CX bike from last year and the guy/gal has sweet, but reasonable, DuraAce/Reflex/FMB wheels on it. BONUS! But, and we're getting really techy here, its a low output moving magnet cart-make sure your phono can handle it.
Separate/Integrated Amps from: NAD, Rotel, Jolida if you like tubes (made in china, akin to carbon bikes), or Bryston on the opposite end of the tube spectrum. If I were starting again I'd jump on the Unico posted above. WANT.
All the above suggestions are assuming you want quality, but not super spendy (for audio components - its relative).
Edit: If you want an all in one solution, make sure your integrated amp has a phono stage/board for your turntable. Phono carts have very low level output and cannot be run straight into your preamp without extra processing. You can always add on a separate though.
I'd second the view above on VPI tables. The Scout Model is all you'll ever need. Not cheap, and not as cheap as the cheapest Rega (which I like too), but in the sweet spot right before you start becoming a weird audiophile dude. It can be hard to find amps with built in phono stages, so I'll recommend the EAR 824P phono stage. No longer made, these show up on Audiogon.com all the time. Used should be fine -- probably worst case is you'll need to replace the (inexpensive) tubes. You'll need a cartridge too, so I'll throw out the Shelter brand as good bang for buck at the lower end.
I'd add to mix of suggestions Musical Fidelity products. I've heard fancier stuff, but bang for buck is very good. Used amps are an excellent way to go, btw. Audiogon is your friend.
I kinda agree with the above although nothing wrong with silicon.
Get a new TT or preloved.
Used amp will be fine. Something with output protection is a safe bet if it's been done properly.
Lots of older amps have an MC/MM phono stage. Most of the MM's were good enough.
Thinking of all things audio is fun, havent done this in a while.
HEJ is right, silicon is just fine. Naim Nait is a fracking nice integrated amp: Naim Audio Nait 5i Integrated Amp | Solid state | New York, New York 10028 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community
Bo' Selecta!
Bryston B60 + MM phono section (well made in canada eh!)
Pro-ject Debut TT with ortofon 2m cart
Kimber PBJ / tonik
enjoy
** For a lot less money than the Bryston one of the NAD integrateds or frankly a stereo receiver (e.g. two channels) like the H/K 3390 will sound pretty darn good.
One more thing if you're going to spend any money on your system please get a decent pair of speaker stands. Relative to the money you can spend on an amp or table they're cheap and you'll be amazed how much better music sounds when loudspeakers aren't flopping around on milk crates or a shelf. So many tasty components have been recommended on this thread ie. Bryston and Naim that my trigger finger has gotten itchy.
I cannot speak for the whole range of those products, but I bought a USB table a couple of years ago thinking that it would be great to digitize some of my old vinyl for portable listening, even if the table wasn't great. I had no sense at all how bad the thing could be. After a couple of days I returned it. Pain in the butt to get anything useful out of it and I was really concerned about my records.Quote:
Originally Posted by Britishbane
Most people, even people who spend $5k on a bike, don't think of an $1,800 TT as affordable. It's a big step up in price from the lower-end Regas at $450-$900.Quote:
Originally Posted by professerr
That said... A number of years ago I replaced my "new" AR turntable with a VPI HW-19 (which I think was their cheapest model at the time.) I expected to hear some subtle differences. I hooked it up, dropped the tonearm onto the record and wandered into the next room to fetch something. The music began and I froze dead in my tracks. It was as if a hazy, vague image in front of me - an image I had always thought was clear & firm - had snapped, sharply and perfectly, into focus. And this was from the next room! It was a magnificent moment.
A good turntable is worth it.
Oh, and get a Grado cartridge if you're not buying a 'packaged' TT. Made in Brooklyn since, like, forever.
how much money you wanna spend?
i sold my (kinda) expensive tube amp and preamp...just started using an old marantz 2220B i got off craigslist for $75
i'm happy with it, i also have a real nice tube phono preamp though...and nice table and nice cartridge.
for me the huge upgrade was the nice phono preamp.
i'd just look for a used turntable, maybe a technics 1200 or something.
the AR's seem nice as do some of the older thorens and denon table...
^^^Good call! Also, add Pro-Ject (distributed through Sumiko) to that list.Quote:
Originally Posted by maunahaole
At least relative to the transducers (speakers & turntables/cartridges), electronics have so little impact on performance that nearly any reputible brand with a good warranty and sufficient power output will sound as good as it needs to. (How's that for a vague statement?)
Check out Linn Audio. They have a fantastic turntable and at least 3 levels of receivers and amplifiers. Excellent equipment.
I didn't realize they wer $1800 bucks now. They do sound sweet, though. Maybe look for a local used one -- unless abused, TT’s last forever. I didn't know Regas were as “cheap” as $450 either, which would suit me fine too. I like them.Quote:
Originally Posted by davids
My experience with vinyl is that unless you spend a fair amount on your kit, it sounds like crap -- with the cheap kit, the stuff that sucks about vinyl sucks more and the stuff that is sweet about vinyl just isn't there. There’s an inflection point where the sweet/crap ratio is high enough to justify vinyl. The Scout is slightly to the right of that point. The Regas I’ve heard are right on it.
But laying out a bunch of coin on hi fi gear can be kind of senseless. Owning the finest things rarely leads to satisfaction. Making them sometimes can, and there’s a sort of sly, progressive beauty to that.
Same thing when it comes to bikes.
Linn is quality, no doubt, but I believe their TT is sprung. I've heard that getting the suspension properly set is something only wizards can accomplish.Quote:
Originally Posted by JTC33
Superb vinyl sound can be had for a smart shopper at about $500 bucks for a turntable and phono stage. My own introduction to analog sound began right around that price point. It was a profound experience.Quote:
Originally Posted by professerr
My "ah ha!" moment, the one that made me an audiophile, was with two turntables running through the same amps & speakers. One Thorens, one Technics, the same record back-to-back. The difference was night & day - it rocked my little world. Up to that moment I was in the "if the HiFi magazines can't measure it, it's inaudible" camp. After that I wouldn't trust anything but my ears.Quote:
Originally Posted by professerr
And, yeah, I chased audio nirvana for a number of years, never happy with what I owned. And then, pretty abruptly, I was satisfied. Since then I've listened to music, not equipment. I'll still buy the occasional component (the Oppo BDP-93 is pretty damn nice) but then I forget about its inherent quality and get back to the music.
I'm sure the OP would like you to name names, and I'm curious too. I sold most of my stuff when I moved out the the country years ago. Now I have a modest digital only set up and for whatever reason, I'm less drawn to listen than when I had an analog set up. I kept the 824P phono stage, though, so it would be great to be clued in to a cheap nice sounding TT. You know, sort of the Surly Pacer of TTs (though hopefully less in absolute $$).Quote:
Originally Posted by Britishbane
Names have been dropped throughout this thread. I'll add some more at your prodding.
This rega p3:Rega Planar 3 Turntable | Turntables | Gainesville, Florida 32609 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community
This direct drive denon: DENON DP-62L TURNTABLE | Turntables | North Haven, Connecticut 06473 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community
This MMF-5.1 (got my vinyl start with a sweet MMF-5 for $300..BAM deal of the decade): Music Hall 5.1 Glossy Black NYC Pick up only | Turntables | New York, New York 10040 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community
A bit above budget, but I'll post this again: KAB Electro Acoustics http://www.kabusa.com
Another Rega (no cart though :(): Rega Planar 3 rb-250 cardas rewired incognito upgraded - MINT | Turntables | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community
Quote:
Originally Posted by davids
This.
Once you hit a certain point of goodness, you start asking questions in the realm of: Can I really hear that? Do I care? Do this plug type actually matter?
Put me in the Audio Cheapskate category. Which I think is a pretty cool bin to be in. Current system: B60 + Rega Planet + Phast EST speakers. There is better. There is LOTs better. But to get there would require a bunch more money. I'd rather buy music and concert tickets.
Mark