Turntable around 400€

[aldo24]

Hello. I live in Europe, and im searching for a turntable! The whole set up is a work in progress, my collection is around 50 vinyls at the moment, and I plan to get the " tangent preamp II " for remote fuctions... as for speakers, i own some crappy active Edifiers R1280t, but as I said, its a work in progress and I think with the preamp having BALANCED OUTS, makes my life easier when I'll pick my new studio monitors. For now, I need a turntable, and i came up with some models i can get round here, please let me know what you think:
1) Reloop HiFi Turn 2 = 360€
2) Rega Planar 1 = 399€
3) Audio Technica LPW40 = 379€ ( although WALNUT colour, kinda meh for me)
4) Audio Technica LPW50 = 430€ ( glossy piano black colour, magnet for dust)
5) Pro-Ject Audio T1+ = 430€
6) Pro-Ject Audio Essential III = 319€ ( NEW model but still exposed belt)
7) Music Hall mmf-1.3 = 349€
8) Music Hall mmf-Mark 1 =399€

Any new suggestions are welcomed!

 

[WDeranged]

I'm voting for the Planar 1. It sounds great and has room for a few upgrades. Also a VM95ML fits easily as the geometry is the same as the stock Carbon cart. Just slide it to the end of the slots, adjust tracking force and you're done.

Don't skimp on the phono preamp though. Zen Phono or Schiit Mani is good in the budget area but I'd recommend a Spartan 5 from Michael Fidler in the UK.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi, and welcome
Firstly, prepare for people telling you not to bother with a turntable While it's true that you will get better quality sound, more cheaply, via digital - it's still your choice (which is why I also play records from time to time). Don't worry about it.

Your choice rather depends on the features you want; manual, automatic ability to upgrade cartridges and to make fine adjustments or whether you just want something to play your records on.
Secondary choice is probably between belt-drive and direct drive. Pros and cons but direct drive generally offers better speed stability, although you may struggle to find on under budget.
Finally, aesthetics ... a huge part of the vinyl appeal is in the look and the pleasure of handling records. If you don't like the look of your turntable then, personally, I don't think you will enjoy the process as much.

From your list, I'd go with the Rega P1 and plan to upgrade the stylus later on if you find that you are playing records regularly
You may want to risk a second-hand Technics direct drive model, that's worth thinking about too

Good luck

 

[DSJR]

I think you have 'em all listed well. I'm gaining some respect for the AT models too at this price, the LP5X in particular after this vid (it has its own phono stage, but the stylus upgrade at least can come later on) -

Being as I am and with my ancient history, I really should give a shout to the Rega Planar 1, as the finish issues in original samples has long ago been sorted and the Carbon cartridge (AT91 in drag) can be upgraded with a decent DN251E stylus from Wm Thakker if possible (lifts it to AT95E standard at least). My stylus was the EPO E type and this one may be better as it's a naked diamond rather than a bonded type.

DN 251 E Stylus for Dual DMS 251 S / DMS 251 E - Nudeline Swiss Made | THAKKER

www.thakker.eu

I have great difficulty with ProJect decks, as they seem to have something slightly different at all price points and not sure performance improves the more money you spend (so many models). they do seem popular and reliable though. The E1 phono may be worth a look but the pics show either an Ortofon OM pickup (easily upgraded with a better Ortofon OM stylus), or the ubiquitous AT91 type, upgraded as I suggest above with the DN251E stylus.

Sorry if I've added more confusion. Most important with all basic solid-plinth decks like this is SITING/ISOLATION and I'd suggest removing lids when playing (essential on a Rega).

 

[aldo24]

Hi, and welcome
Firstly, prepare for people telling you not to bother with a turntable While it's true that you will get better quality sound, more cheaply, via digital - it's still your choice (which is why I also play records from time to time). Don't worry about it.

Your choice rather depends on the features you want; manual, automatic ability to upgrade cartridges and to make fine adjustments or whether you just want something to play your records on.
Secondary choice is probably between belt-drive and direct drive. Pros and cons but direct drive generally offers better speed stability, although you may struggle to find on under budget.
Finally, aesthetics ... a huge part of the vinyl appeal is in the look and the pleasure of handling records. If you don't like the look of your turntable then, personally, I don't think you will enjoy the process as much.

From your list, I'd go with the Rega P1 and plan to upgrade the stylus later on if you find that you are playing records regularly
You may want to risk a second-hand Technics direct drive model, that's worth thinking about too

Good luck

yeah yeah, I know these " dont bother" folks, you need this or that amount of money to get started etc... But I love vinyl, its a love I share with my closets friends, and we got this collection together, we just want to enjoy it now, the whole procedure! For sure as you say, I could just stream Tidal and get a 300dolar DAC, but I still wouldnt be able to play my records... Its definetely MANUAL for me, belt-driven, as for aesthetics I like simplicity!

 

[aldo24]

I think you have 'em all listed well. I'm gaining some respect for the AT models too at this price, the LP5X in particular after this vid (it has its own phono stage, but the stylus upgrade at least can come later on) -

Being as I am and with my ancient history, I really should give a shout to the Rega Planar 1, as the finish issues in original samples has long ago been sorted and the Carbon cartridge (AT91 in drag) can be upgraded with a decent DN251E stylus from Wm Thakker if possible (lifts it to AT95E standard at least). My stylus was the EPO E type and this one may be better as it's a naked diamond rather than a bonded type.

DN 251 E Stylus for Dual DMS 251 S / DMS 251 E - Nudeline Swiss Made | THAKKER

www.thakker.eu

I have great difficulty with ProJect decks, as they seem to have something slightly different at all price points and not sure performance improves the more money you spend (so many models). they do seem popular and reliable though. The E1 phono may be worth a look but th epics show either an Ortofon OM pickup (easily upgraded with a better Ortofon OM stylus), or the ubiquitous AT91 type, upgraded as I suggest above with the DN251E stylus.

Sorry if I've added more confusion. Most important with all basic solid-plinth decks like this is SITING/ISOLATION and I'd suggest removing lids when playing (essential on a Rega).

Wow, thanks for the quick reply u guys.... Yeah I guess I can get the LP5X for 449€, but it looks TOO CHUNKY and I think its made of plastic? 2nd Rega reccomendation here... Yeah of course playing with removed lid, and proper isolation on the feet etc.

 

[WDeranged]

yeah yeah, I know these " dont bother" folks, you need this or that amount of money to get started etc... But I love vinyl, its a love I share with my closets friends, and we got this collection together, we just want to enjoy it now, the whole procedure! For sure as you say, I could just stream Tidal and get a 300dolar DAC, but I still wouldnt be able to play my records... Its definetely MANUAL for me, belt-driven, as for aesthetics I like simplicity!

If you're easy going about surface noise and the other half dozen glaring faults of vinyl you'll be fine. It should be fun. On the other hand if you're even vaguely obsessive about sound you might be in for a world of pain

 

[aldo24]

If you're easy going about surface noise and the other half dozen glaring faults of vinyl you'll be fine. It should be fun. On the other hand if you're even vaguely obsessive about sound you might be in for a world of pain

I know it sounds "cliche" on the audiophile world but... even life has surface noise... I like surface noise! It reminds me not everything is perfect, but at least, its analog

 

[DSJR]

Wow, thanks for the quick reply u guys.... Yeah I guess I can get the LP5X for 449€, but it looks TOO CHUNKY and I think its made of plastic? 2nd Rega reccomendation here... Yeah of course playing with removed lid, and proper isolation on the feet etc.

It's direct drive, so should be quieter than the belt driven models. At this price level and as a vinyl source, what's LOOKS got to do with it? Not sure it is made of plastic, but I haven't seen or used one and the 'sound' as posted in that video, does look promising I have to say. Nowt really wrong with the supplied VM95E and as said above, a 95ML or SH stylus can be done later on!

The Rega 1 is a ubiquitous device here in the UK and brand familiarity over nearly fifty years etc.etc... I'm trying to be more open-minded here, as ten and more years ago, the Planar 1 would have been my universal recommendation regardless


P.S. The better the stylus and better the isolation and so on, the lower the 'effects' of surface noise genuinely seem to be. A VM95E treats records gently up top without losing hf in the process, and the AT91/Carbon isn't bad either despite the conical tip. I tried the DN251E stylus out of curiosity and found the Thakker version had an equally nice basic elliptical bonded tip and subjectively, the high frequencies opened out a little and again, without highs going sharp, gritty or noisy.

I'm hoping the OP has existing records to play and isn't buying a turntable to start a vinyl collection - PLEASE DON'T

 

[Galliardist]

Hi, and welcome
Firstly, prepare for people telling you not to bother with a turntable

Fifty purchases too late for that! However, without any indication of other sources, I'm going to suggest the cheap Project as the turntable in this case - unless the digital side is properly sorted. I don't think the sound is going to get much better for the extra money in this range, and either better digital sound, starting to save for better speakers, or a couple more LPs will add value.

Sure, you can play vinyl with your friends, save the best sound for yourself.

Most important with all basic solid-plinth decks like this is SITING/ISOLATION and I'd suggest removing lids when playing (essential on a Rega).

Definitely. But don't go overboard with fancy isolation products. Firmly attach a basic wall shelf to a solid wall, or use a lightweight table on a concrete floor.

 

[JeremyFife]

yeah yeah, I know these " dont bother" folks, you need this or that amount of money to get started etc... But I love vinyl, its a love I share with my closets friends, and we got this collection together, we just want to enjoy it now, the whole procedure! For sure as you say, I could just stream Tidal and get a 300dolar DAC, but I still wouldnt be able to play my records... Its definetely MANUAL for me, belt-driven, as for aesthetics I like simplicity!

Nice attitude

Having said that, I'd still get a WiiM Mini (approx £90, or 3 records!) with optical out to your Tangent ... neat, easy and best of both worlds

 

[Roland68]

Hello. I live in Europe, and im searching for a turntable! The whole set up is a work in progress, my collection is around 50 vinyls at the moment, and I plan to get the " tangent preamp II " for remote fuctions... as for speakers, i own some crappy active Edifiers R1280t, but as I said, its a work in progress and I think with the preamp having BALANCED OUTS, makes my life easier when I'll pick my new studio monitors. For now, I need a turntable, and i came up with some models i can get round here, please let me know what you think:
1) Reloop HiFi Turn 2 = 360€
2) Rega Planar 1 = 399€
3) Audio Technica LPW40 = 379€ ( although WALNUT colour, kinda meh for me)
4) Audio Technica LPW50 = 430€ ( glossy piano black colour, magnet for dust)
5) Pro-Ject Audio T1+ = 430€
6) Pro-Ject Audio Essential III = 319€ ( NEW model but still exposed belt)
7) Music Hall mmf-1.3 = 349€
8) Music Hall mmf-Mark 1 =399€

Any new suggestions are welcomed!

In this price range, I would go for a used Pro-Ject and buy it from an audiophile who is upgrading to a more expensive device.
These devices are well maintained, sometimes upgraded, often very well set up and with a bit of luck you get a very good phono cartridge with it.

 

[Moonhead]

Get the one you fancy that has direct drive.

 

[pogo]

I would choose a good old used one.

 

[DSJR]

A word of warning to peeps buying used vinyl to experience what we old hands did forty plus years ago -

YOU NEED A PRO WET-N-DRY RECORD CLEANING MACHINE to play all those used records out there!

I started looking at vinyl again due to a favourite '10CC' song having drop-out on all the digital versions of it I have and which pals have sent me. The two vinyls of Sheet Music I found fairly cheaply were fairly quiet and no drop-out, but showed how dull vinyl can be compared to the master as more accurately transferred to digital (in a general sense if the mastering engineer hasn't been messing around). I went through an adventure with a potential cartridge upgrade although I had pretty good and once top-level pickups from the 70s.

So, I wanted a known good vinyl reference, so chose Talk Talk's 'The Colour of Spring,' a clean clear 'DMM' cur from 1986. It appeared by own immacualate and little played vinyl cut had long gone in a purge (I knew the album from the countless dems I did using it) and used copies fetch generally silly money almost the same as new pressings do. I found one on Discogs and received it in generally excellent condition, carefully presented and packed.

So, with deck set up and ready to go, I couldn't believe the chip-frying assault on my ears all through side one, FAR worse than many mid 70s post-oi-oil-crisis records I bought and returned over and over until I found an acceptable copy (Brain Salad Surgery was terrible). I don't have a wet cleaner and this copy needs one as the surface, although only slightly scuffed as all DMM cuts I have/had were, has a kind of haze or film on it. I'm hoping that, if I can't return it, I can get it cleaned to playable condition and use it as a reference as intended (the digital issue bought at the time is, of course, absolutely fine in fidelity terms). I'm so angry and disappointed and the reason I'm posting this is hoping that anyone even considering trying vinyl out using used copies as software, is to get a proper pukka cleaning machine FIRST, as you'll never know a record's condition until you play it, by which time, any crud in the grooves may be pushed in, never to be extracted.

 

[aldo24]

A word of warning to peeps buying used vinyl to experience what we old hands did forty plus years ago -

YOU NEED A PRO WET-N-DRY RECORD CLEANING MACHINE to play all those used records out there!

I started looking at vinyl again due to a favourite '10CC' song having drop-out on all the digital versions of it I have and which pals have sent me. The two vinyls of Sheet Music I found fairly cheaply were fairly quiet and no drop-out, but showed how dull vinyl can be compared to the master as more accurately transferred to digital (in a general sense if the mastering engineer hasn't been messing around). I went through an adventure with a potential cartridge upgrade although I had pretty good and once top-level pickups from the 70s.

So, I wanted a known good vinyl reference, so chose Talk Talk's 'The Colour of Spring,' a clean clear 'DMM' cur from 1986. It appeared by own immacualate and little played vinyl cut had long gone in a purge (I knew the album from the countless dems I did using it) and used copies fetch generally silly money almost the same as new pressings do. I found one on Discogs and received it in generally excellent condition, carefully presented and packed.

So, with deck set up and ready to go, I couldn't believe the chip-frying assault on my ears all through side one, FAR worse than many mid 70s post-oi-oil-crisis records I bought and returned over and over until I found an acceptable copy (Brain Salad Surgery was terrible). I don't have a wet cleaner and this copy needs one as the surface, although only slightly scuffed as all DMM cuts I have/had were, has a kind of haze or film on it. I'm hoping that, if I can't return it, I can get it cleaned to playable condition and use it as a reference as intended (the digital issue bought at the time is, of course, absolutely fine in fidelity terms). I'm so angry and disappointed and the reason I'm posting this is hoping that anyone even considering trying vinyl out using used copies as software, is to get a proper pukka cleaning machine FIRST, as you'll never know a record's condition until you play it, by which time, any crud in the grooves may be pushed in, never to be extracted.

Most of the vinyls I own where never played, or near mint condition! But i havent played any of these so I couldnt tell if its a good copy or not... I made all these comprimises already in my head so, it is what it is...

 

[Multicore]

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

For another 50 or so there's a version with wireless in case that's useful to you.

Afaict in this pice it's the most popular deck by far. it's what I would choose too

 

[aldo24]

Just found out that Rega actually have "refreshed" their Planar 1 series, feauturing new RB110 tonearm, 23 mm, higher mass, phenolic platter, and a 24v synchronus new PCB motor and aluminium pulley. I think im going for it... I just can't find any details if I can upgrade to a glass platter in the future...

 

[aldo24]

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

For another 50 or so there's a version with wireless in case that's useful to you.

Afaict in this pice it's the most popular deck by far. it's what I would choose too

Thanks for the recomendation, it looks like a DJ's turntable... im afraind its a deal breaker for me!

 

[EERecordist]

Hello. I live in Europe, and im searching for a turntable! The whole set up is a work in progress, my collection is around 50 vinyls at the moment, and I plan to get the " tangent preamp II " for remote fuctions... as for speakers, i own some crappy active Edifiers R1280t, but as I said, its a work in progress and I think with the preamp having BALANCED OUTS, makes my life easier when I'll pick my new studio monitors. For now, I need a turntable, and i came up with some models i can get round here, please let me know what you think:
1) Reloop HiFi Turn 2 = 360€
2) Rega Planar 1 = 399€
3) Audio Technica LPW40 = 379€ ( although WALNUT colour, kinda meh for me)
4) Audio Technica LPW50 = 430€ ( glossy piano black colour, magnet for dust)
5) Pro-Ject Audio T1+ = 430€
6) Pro-Ject Audio Essential III = 319€ ( NEW model but still exposed belt)
7) Music Hall mmf-1.3 = 349€
8) Music Hall mmf-Mark 1 =399€

Any new suggestions are welcomed!

If you are in Europe, I would suggest a vintage Revox linear turntable. There are spare parts available. Revox does factory service on them and there are independent service groups.