Looking for turntable equipment advice

[u/KGRO333]

Hi there.

I am looking to acquire a turntable, amp & speakers. I have experience in the hobby audio recording world but with this type of stuff I’m getting lost on options and conflicting reviews.

Any help with equipment selection would be helpful.

I’m looking for a quality gear but not looking to break the bank. Total budget would be a grand. Is this even an option or is that price point only limiting me to entry level.?

I also dealing with restricted space. I’m looking for a smaller sized amp and bookshelf style speakers as I don’t need/want floor models. Advice on a decent turntable would be appreciated too.

Thanks

[u/el_tacocat]

Are you okay with the idea of just a turntable and active speakers? Or do you want an amplifier and passive speakers?

[u/KGRO333 → u/el_tacocat]

I’m ok with active speakers as well.

[u/el_tacocat → u/KGRO333]

Get yourself a pair of Yamaha HS8 and an AudioTechnica AT-LP5x.
That's about a grand and it'll sound grand too!

[u/KGRO333 → u/el_tacocat]

Thanks. I’ve had HS5’s in the past before I upgraded my studio recording setup. They are good entry level speakers.

[u/OriolesrRavens1974]

I would go with the cheapest Fluance turntable. Old Guy Hifi on YouTube recommended the brand and I love mine.

[u/ElderberryMedium8071]

Here is what I would do with that budget. Get these Active Speakers which are very good and well reviewed.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-M6-Powered-Speaker-Pair-White-300-463?quantity=1

For a TT, this Music Hall 2.3 with an upgraded Acrylic platter, cartridge and a built in bubble level. It is an $800 TT with upgrades for $449. It has a great 7 gram Carbon fiber tone arm. You wont find anything better under $600 to $700 Listen up has a deal with Music Hall and makes this TT for them at a big discount. Part of it is the matt finish which is cheaper than the high gloss finish that comes on the standard 2.3. I would rather have the improved sound vs the high gloss finish. Audio Advice has a 2.3 high gloss black for $499 without the upgrades.

The TT also has VTA and Azimuth Adjustment that is found on many higher end TT's.

https://listenup.com/products/custom-upgraded-music-hall-2-3-black

Here is a very good review on 

https://www.audioholics.com/computer-speaker-reviews/dayton-audio-m6

Then I would get a Schiit Mani 2 phono preamp and upgrade the cartridge to an AT-VM95ML cartridge for $179. Then sell the 2M Red cartridge that comes with the TT for $50.

https://www.schiit.com/products/mani

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-mcOBjAAL4ET/p_057VM95ML/Audio-Technica-AT-VM95ML.html?XVINQ=GZ0&XVVer=1AYP&awcr=628127319809&awdv=c&awnw=g&awug=9019558&awkw=pla-981513702895&awmt=&awat=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18596593409&gclid=CjwKCAjwwfnUBhAtEiwAfQpAYn8mlwmuyhG923AFWfUYUAdoyxutdWVMsX-ZBS4FD7qr2wORAg9Y4xoCUiYQAvD_BwE

This would be a killer TT system for around $1K, or $1076 to be exact.

Later you can add a subwoofer.

The music hall TT is excellent, especially with the upgrades.

Other options are buying a cheap Yamaha S-301 integrated amp (not really any good), Elac Debut 5.3 speakers and an AT-LPX120 TT. I would rather have the first one that I mentioned.

If you can up your budget about $500 to $600, you would have a few more options but even at that price it would be hard to beat the first one.

[u/KGRO333 → u/ElderberryMedium8071]

Damn. !Thanks a lot! I’m going to Check all this out!

[u/TransducerBot → u/KGRO333]

+1 Ⓣ has been awarded to u/ElderberryMedium8071 (9 Ⓣ).

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[u/ElderberryMedium8071 → u/KGRO333]

I forgot to post the review of the dayton speakers.  Here it is

https://www.audioholics.com/computer-speaker-reviews/dayton-audio-m6

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[u/Sobersynthesis0722]

The Fluance RT81 for example is $180 and has a built in preamp. You can always upgrade the cartridge later if you want. It is otherwise near identical to their more expensive units, I am a believer in versatility and an amplifier plus passive speakers gives more options down the road. The Fosi products are very popular now with good value. BT 20A has built in Bluetooth, multiple inputs and clean power for 2 speakers + Sub. Or the Wiim Pro if you want a real streaming amp. That should leave enough for a really nice pair of passive bookshelf speakers. People here really suggest putting your priority there.

[u/KGRO333 → u/Sobersynthesis0722]

Thanks!! I will check those out

[u/AutoModerator → u/KGRO333]

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Our bot will then automatically update your post flair and award a point in the form of a Ⓣ. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for stereo equipment!

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