Now that my plasma is wall mounted and the HT "remodel" is almost complete (waiting for 1 grille and some speaker wire for the rears), I'm itching for another upgrade. Yeah, one option is for M22s to become M60s but heck, I just got the FMS16s.

My receiver has a phono input and I have a small collection of old vinyl, though they're not the most well cared for. I also have some access to vinyl thru friends and some older ones at my parents house. All my buddies used to DJ back in the day so most of my experience is w/ SL1200's.

I'm looking for starter suggestions on turntables. Really not looking for anything more than $200 at this point. I would REALLY want a yellow Rega P3 but at that price point I could buy another bike. (Forget the fact that it would be my 5th bike in a year and my wife would kill me but that's another story.) Just looking to test the vinyl waters to see if I'm willing to stick w/ it long enough to invest in a quality table.

Thanks.

I bought the Stanton STR8-30 and am quite happy with it. Apparently, Stanton has recently discontinued the STR8 (Straight) line of turntables, replacing it with a similar, but more expensive line. Doing a quick search, the best price I could find on the STR8-30 is $149 with free shipping.

I would recommend replacing the cartridge that comes with the turntable with a Shure M97XE cartridge. Another quick search turned up a $57.99 price, with free shipping, which is considerably better than the $80, or so, I paid for mine. However, you might first try the turntable with the cartridge that comes with it to see if it will suffice.

Should you be interested in either of these, be sure to do a search to see if you can turn up better prices. As I said, my searches were just quickies.

Thanks Ajax.

That Stanton looks a lot like a 1200. Would it be considered the same quality?

What would be the reason to change to the cartridge? Is there a sound difference?

Here's what I posted on audioreview. Maybe others have input.

I'm not looking to spend more than $200 to $300. I like the idea of the Rega P3 but not ready to spend that kind of coin yet. I have a couple of questions and requests for opinions on choices.

1) Curved arm vs. straight arm. I've seen some mention of this on various threads but what difference does it make?

2) As a starter TT, what difference does it really make if I get a DJ table?

3) Any thoughts on the list of TT's below?

Stanton STR8-30 Direct Drive Turntable
Pro-Ject Debut III w/ ORTOFON OM-5 MM CARTRIDGE
Music Hall- MMF-2.1 Turntable w/ Tracker MM cart
Music Hall Goldring GR-1 Turntable with RB-250 arm and Electra Phono Cartridge

4) I know the Stanton is the half the cost of the others, but am I really going to notice that big of a difference as a newbie?

5) Can someone explain the differences btw the MMF2.1 and GR-1?

The SL1200 is a serious workhorse "DJ" turntable. the Stanton is an entry-level turntable. My dad also has the Stanton SR8-30. It works okay. He has a Grado cartridge but has yet to put it on. Personally, I would go with a Stanton and upgrade to a Grado or Shure cartridge. This can be done for under $300.

In reply to:

---

1) Curved arm vs. straight arm. I've seen some mention of this on various threads but what difference does it make?

---

I think the straight arm is an advantage for scratching DJs, but I don't really know for a certainty. I don't think it makes much difference for the average listener.

In reply to:

---

2) As a starter TT, what difference does it really make if I get a DJ table?

---

Absolutely none. I went for the STR8-30 because it is direct drive, a known brand, inexpensive (relatively speaking), and does a good job. Like you, I wasn't looking for "audiophile" quality, just a solid entry level table.

In reply to:

---

3) Any thoughts on the list of TT's below?

---

Don't know a thing about any of the other tables. I've heard of them, but that's all.

In reply to:

---

4) I know the Stanton is the half the cost of the others, but am I really going to notice that big of a difference as a newbie?

---

Only in the wallet. Since, I'm not familiar with the others I can't say if you will notice any other difference.

In reply to:

---

5) Can someone explain the differences btw the MMF2.1 and GR-1?

---

Well I can't. I hope some other's can. There is a fairly small but knowledgeable bunch of guys who hang out at the Turntables/Vinyl - It Ain't Dead Yet forum at the Home Theater Spot. You might pose your questions there, and/or perform a search for each of the turntables you've listed. You might get more info there. I suspect the Stanton would not be highly respected there, but you might learn more about the other turntables you've mentioned.

Cool, I'll try the spot. Taking a quick look, the Stanton might give cause to "eye"...

I'm perty much where your are at. Have about 400 vinyls that havent seen the lite of day in over a decade. I was at Best Buys last week and noticed a Sony table with cartridge and built in phone amp for $175. Might be worth checking into. Not many retailers carry TT and if theres a BB close to you you can save on shipping and other hassles of the internet and return it in a week or so if you don't like it.

BW Maxx

I'm torn. Do I try a starter one like the Stanton STR8-30 that already has a cartridge for $150 or upgraded cart for $200? Or do I spend $100 more to go w/ an entry level audiophile? I'm tempted to go the latter route. Audio Advisor has a $300 one from Music Hall that's basically a Rega P2. I'll probably get that, unless I can make a deal on a local seller that has an MMF-5 for cheap.

Adding another idea to the mix... something like this.

Bren R.

Is it kind of weird that the laser turntable company will send you a demo on cd ???

BrenR
Funny you bring that up. My old boss was one of the original founders of Finial Technology which developed the laser turntable that eventually became ELP. He was bummed because the company took a different direction than what he hoped. He was a great boss and mentor for me back when I got out of college in 1990. He used to reminisce w/ one of our older analog engineers about audiophile stuff, like tube amps and turntables. I never understood the attraction, until now.

I've even considered giving him a ring to get his thoughts. But his audio "affliction" is something way outta my league. I knew he built a listening room into his house, knowing him it was dedicated 2 channel.

I picked up a decent Pioneer PL117D for $40. It has a Stanton needle, waiting for the Ortofon 10 to show up. One of my old George Benson CDs sounded FANTASTIC. Very impressed w/ my M22's and Pioneer 45TX. Now I'm really tempted to find a tube amp. Sounds a little thin, but hoping the new cartridge will help. I asked my wife and she impressed that it was an LP playing.

Music Hall MMF-5 or 7.

My guess is if you get a Rega P3, you will become hooked on vinyl. I haven't heard the Music Halls. Rega is easy to setup. And, I hear Music Hall tables are also.

I have a Music Hall MMF 2.1 LE w/ a Grado Red cart. As a starter turntable it is fantastic, but you have to upgrade the cart. Having said that, I will be upgrading to a MMF 7 soon because I have a few spare bucks burning a hole in my pocket.

Audio Technica ATPL 120 Pro DJ Turntable. All you'll ever need. Check it out at www.jr.com. $219.99, a steal!! Got it and Love it.

Just past 11 PM PST. I'm sitting in front of my system on the new couch. I picked up some vinyl yesterday at a local used bookstore that is closing. Sad for the independent bookstores, Amazon, B&N, and Border's are killing them. And bummer for me, since it's a 2 minute bike ride from my house.

I got a Cuban orchestra LP called Ahi Viene Sonora Matancera. Lots of horns. Wow, the M22's are REALLY shining. Very bright music but the M22's handle them w/ grace, no harshness or siblance. After 2 years w/ them, I am STILL impressed.

I haven't listed to the others yet either, Grover Washington Jr, Count Basie, and some New Orleans Jazz. Although, I need this for background music as I take my online traffic class...

They didn't nail you with a BWI (biking while intoxicated), did they?

Nope. I got caught coming out of the freaking Dumbarton toll booth at 65. It's 55 but the sign doesn't come up until after a few hundred yards.

I'm really glad there wasn't a cop around when I tore out of that tollbooth in a Viper a few years ago...