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

[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.