Yep, it is time to buy a turntable - suggestions?

[atomicAdam]

Thank you sir.

What is it you like about the Rega turntables? I see there are several in my price range, two are belt drives.

The Music Hall MMF-2.2LE Turntable

Rega P1 Turntable

For non belt it appears to be:

Pro-Ject Debut III in White

Question, does belt / no belt really make a dif at this price point?

And what do you mean by "musical quality missing from many of them"? Are you trying to say that the belt adds some small fraction of unequal timing which sounds more real? Or is it just the way the motor spins the record and interacts with the whole unit that with a belt drive sounds more musical?

[atomicAdam]

LOL -

At least the owner is funny - and I do like the color - but is it really a 'honey'?



Oh the big block words that flash are just classic! He does say there are other cheap turntables similar this but the tonearm and 'music hall' cartridge ---- are they really better? Any experience anyone?

[jrhymeammo]

Thank you sir.

What is it you like about the Rega turntables? I see there are several in my price range, two are belt drives.

The Music Hall MMF-2.2LE Turntable

Rega P1 Turntable

For non belt it appears to be:

Pro-Ject Debut III in White

Question, does belt / no belt really make a dif at this price point?

And what do you mean by "musical quality missing from many of them"? Are you trying to say that the belt adds some small fraction of unequal timing which sounds more real? Or is it just the way the motor spins the record and interacts with the whole unit that with a belt drive sounds more musical?

...but they are truly worth it in my book.
If you live in California, you should have access to tons of record stores.
I'm jealous and makes me wanna get out of this lousy city I live in.

***Software***
Record Shop-
This is the most important part of this hobby, but I think you are covered.
You lucky bastard!!!!


***Record Care****

LP Sleeve -
If you purchase used LP and comes with moldy paper sleeves, throw them away. It just contaminates your LP. Sleeve City has some inner sleeves. I especially love Diskeeper Ultimate Audiophile Inner Sleeves.


Dry Brush -
Get a cheap carbon fiber brush by LP Gear or SleeveTown. They are pretty stiff, so break them in by running in hot water. No need to spend $20+ on a same brush that says Audioquest or A


Wet Record Brush -
Record Btush by Mobile Fidelity. Nothing is better and replacement pad can be had for cheap (2 for $5).


LP solution -
You can choose to buy some expensive solution, but 90+% isopro and distilled water will perform 99% of expensive stuff. If you end up with a Record Cleaning Machine (DIY or Purchased), your wallet will appreciate the Isopro-H2O solution.


Stylus care -
I love Zerodust by Onzo. They work great without expensive liquid, and should last a lifetime. I don't think I can live without it.
Or you can just use a small piece of Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean. Soak a piece in Water, drop down your stylus onto the surface, and use your clueing level to lift it up. It works pretty good and is probably the cheapest option there is.


***Turntable***
As you know, Rega makes some great tonearms, but their entry level decks are crap. Maybe "crap" is a harsh word, but they can't even spin LP at acceptable speed. I was hoping they had fixed the issue with P1, but that still isn't the case. I don't know this for a fact, but I've read they are spinning at more than 1% faster at 33rpm setting. Used P25 and and New P5 and up have remedied that issue, but they expect you to spend more than $1400???

PJ or MH spins nicely and speedbox can be had for $150 if desired in future. The tonearm I had on my Xpression was bit picky on cartridges I used.

At your price range, I would look for a used TT in a nearby city. Go audition and get a great deck for half the price. Plus you can eliminate potential damage by a commericial carrier.... New 2.2LE looks like a great starter deck and may even be your final reference deck.

Have fun,
JRA

[atomicAdam]

New 2.2LE looks like a great starter deck and may even be your final reference deck.

Have fun,
JRA

Hey jrhymeammo -

Thanks for all the info - I hardly know how to start asking more questions - but I'm sure I will.

I do have one though. I know the TT that got my fire burning probably cost more than I would possibly afford - so hear is the question -

Is there a price point at which TT will be.... I don't want to use the word better... but will offer more of the record body full body sound that the CD doesn't?

Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to start a 'what is better' war, but is having a price limit of $500 for a TT selling myself short?

I've got my eye on the Music Hall MMG 2.2LE - good user reviews and the paint is obviously attractive, but would it be worth it for me to just suck it up and wait to get a better one? I guess, is there a price point at which TT really start to shine versus just being a TT?

Thanks
-adam

[jrhymeammo]

Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to start a 'what is better' war, but is having a price limit of $500 for a TT selling myself short?
-adam

Absolutely not. But you may want to avoid Debut III. I would Look for a used Xpression with your budget for below reason.
I don't know about 2.2LE, but the Debut III comes with steel platter and that's not ideal for Moving coil cartridges. Remember, cartridges are magnetic (MM cartridges too? I can't remember). This will lead to improper vertical tracking force resulting to more wear on LP and stylus.

Also, 2.2LE spins at +/- 0.9% speed deviation. Most of MH TT can be matched with PJ Speedbox, but not sure whether 2.2LE can be plugged in.

[atomicAdam]

Also, 2.2LE spins at +/- 0.9% speed deviation.

Oach, this really concerns me. I mean, if a source is anything it has to be on time.

I'm going to assume this is an issue with lower end TT so maybe I should increase my price range and just wait a bit longer till I purchase. Or is this something that all have. Corrections? I googled the PJ Speedbox - and I have to say, if a TT company makes a TT and then an upgrade to make it more on time, one wonders why they couldn't get it right in the 1st place? Maybe I am being harsh, but.....

Thanks for all the info fellas - I appreciate it.

I actually took a look at my Omega III and it doesn't appear to have Phono in, or TT in. So I might need a phono-pre-amp as well.

Well more research.

Thanks
-adam

[JohnMichael]

Adam, I must vote for the Rega P2 or above in the Rega line. The Rega's are great and there are so many after market performance upgrades available. My 10 year old Rega Planar 2 has never sounded better than it does today. The Michell Technoweight counterweight is an upgrade that greatly improves the arms tracking ability. The machined metal subplatter such as the DeepGroove adds mass for better rotaional speed and stability. The tonearm rewire gave me better, more open high frequencies. The Ringmat is superior to the felt mat. My combination of cones and Rega feet drains the motor vibrations from the table making for a more focused less confused soundfield.

I of course had fun doing this over the years so the expense was spread out. The Rega P2 is fine as it is but it can reach a higher level. If you do go with the P2 I would get the glass platter upgrade.