Turntable recommendations (based on my needs)

[asdfffdsa]

Hello,

I've come to realize there is a lot of great (and relatively cheap) music that I cannot find in digital formats (particularly of french house in the early 2000's). As such, I am interested in a digitization setup. My budget is $150 to $200.

If it weren't for this low budget, I'd probably look into getting a higher quality "analog turntable" and then some separate digitization devices. If anyone can get me in that price range (with the turntable, separate digitization device(s), and any other devices needed accounted for in the price), I would take preference to this option. I have absolutely no aversion to making this a big, complicated, and time consuming project if it will save me money and grant higher quality results.

I've been doing a lot of research, but nothing beats talking to those with experience. While I'm also concerned with obvious things such as the construction quality of the device (I don't plan on buying a TT that is flimsy or prone to break shortly after ... I've heard some Sony TT's have this issue), my decisions are based on the following:

audio quality after digitized (this is most important)
inclusion of Moving Magnetic catridge *
reducing Vertical Track Force
reducing Speed Variance
inclusion of Offset Tonearm
preference to an aluminum platter type
reducing Wow & Flutter
inclusion of Anti-skate *
inclusion of Pre-amp
inclusion of Tonearm cue
( * => absolute must )

Unfortunately, a lot of the above information isn't advertised, and there is no guarantee that the advertised results follow a standard procedure of testing. I've yet to find an independently compiled source which has tested a large range of devices. The best I've found is this

The following devices have caught my eye amongst the competition:

- Denon DP-200 USB
- Stanton T.55 USB

While the Pro-Ject Debut III USB and Stanton T.90 USB are of much higher quality, they are still too expensive.

So I am primarily interested in a digitization setup with great audio in the price range of around $150 to $200. I don't see myself using the turntable for too much casual listening.

Any other recommendations for me (any notes for someone just getting into vinyl) are also welcome

[asdfffdsa]

I came to realize that I couldn't get a good sounding complete digitization setup for ~$200. I ended up buying a used Technics SL1200 MK2 for $200.

It did not come with a cartridge or stylus, so I suppose this is now the main concern of this thread.

[vinylkid58]

If you're on a budget, try the AT120E.

LP Gear: audio-technica AT120E/T phono cartridge

IMHO, you bought a much better table that the Pro-ject Debut. Congrats.

Jeff

[Glowbug]

I used a Denon DL-110 when I had a 1200MK2, worked great

If I do it again, I'd try the DL-160...

[asdfffdsa]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Does anyone have an opinion of the Shure M97XE? I'm in a position to obtain one (new) for $46 with free shipping.

[asdfffdsa]

(Hope the post submitted prior to this one shows up first)

I just remembered that I also need to get a headshell. Should I go with the headshell that comes stock with the MK2? Or should I go with something cheaper?

[vinylkid58]

Originally Posted by asdfffdsa

Does anyone have an opinion of the Shure M97XE? I'm in a position to obtain one (new) for $46 with free shipping.

It's supposed to be decent, and that's a good price.

I'd also stick with the stock Technics headshell.

Jeff