Sorry if you guys get too many questions like this, I've read some basic guides but value your opinion.
Posted May 20, 2013, 4:01 PM UTC
Entry level? For that price you'd be mid-level quality if you buy smart.
In that case I'll need someone smart to help me.
I have zero clue about make/models hoever I do undertand the basics of what makes a good turntable good
Start with the sidebar. A lot of ggood info over there. I'd also toss this over to r/audiophile for more opinions on speakers, amps, etc..
You could get a Rega Brio amplifier with a great built in phono stage, a second hand NAD 533 turntable (or similar) and some Tannoy DC4 speakers (or similar) for that sort of dosh if you shop around. I think it would sound most excellent. Remember to factor in the cost of a decent cartridge for the turntable though.
You could easily Pro-Ject your way up for £1000, and have a great sounding set-up going on! (I know, because I just went full Pro-Ject after browsing, checking and listening to tons of TT's)
I can't recommend the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon enough. This will set you back £300, but it's worth every pence. And it comes with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, so you're pretty well off there. (Although I went for the Ortofon OM 10 personally)
Hook it up to a Phono Box II, and for an additional £70 you're even pre-amped! Or, use a pre-amp, dependent on the amp you're going to use. The pre-amp is with its £123 a tad more expensive, but those extra pounds could come in useful. (Whether or not the amp can adjust volume. If not, like the one listed below, you'll need this to be able to adjust the volume)
Power it up with an Amp Box DS, and for another £300 you're done!
A great set-up for under £700!
Of course, you can always use some speakers as well. I don't know how big you want to go, but if you want to keep it compact and clean, you can't go wrong with a pair of JBL speakers. These will set you back for £150.
So for under £850 you have yourself a truly great brand and spanking new set-up.
If £1000 is your budget, you can even squeeze in some upgrades.
The Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter is a good purchase for £100! Looks beautiful on the TT, and gives you less resonance, so a better sound. (But more importantly, you can leave the stock felt mat aside. How much I like Pro-Ject, that felt mat is crap!)
The Speed Box is another great upgrade for some £100. This one will let you switch between 33 and 45 rpm, without having to manually change the belt. It also equalizes the power from your outlet, resulting in a guaranteed playback speed of 33 or 45 rpm. (Do check compatibility, though. Not all power supplies are compatible. For the BE power outlet, I had to go for the Speed Box SEII. That one will set you back a bit more, but I heard that Pro-Ject is releasing a new one this summer that supposedly will be 'budget')
So it's possible to have an upgraded set-up for just over £1000. And I guarantee you'll be very happy with your set-up!
I know this relies heavily on Pro-Ject. But what can I say... I'm a fan. I'm sure there are other possibilities and options out there that are just as good (and if you can score some great vintage finds, even better). So, I'm not saying you should absolutely go for this set-up. Do as I do. Snoop around. Listen and compare. Just wanted to give you an idea of a great new set-up within your budget.
EDIT: expanded on the pre-amplification.
If I had enough on paypal to give you gold, I would.
That's ok! I'm glad I could help out, and perhaps show people excellent quality stuff doesn't have to cost you auctioning your kidneys on eBay. If anyone got something out of this, I'm happy enough! But thanks for your compliment nonetheless!