Best turntable under $1000

[Jello]

Upgraditis has got to me again and I need to spend some $$$
Years ago I retired my old Dual and now want to get something half decent. The stereo shop that I buy most of my stuff from only has a AT-PL120 Audio Technica, a old Thorens used and some other crap. I think there are better.

I live in Canada so any Canadian links are a bonus. I see that Technics are a favorite.

I "think" I want a turntable that I don't have to flip the belt for 33>45 and back. If there was something that comes without a cartridge that would be okay if you could recommend one and keep it under a grand.

EDIT: I also have a NAD phono preamp ... would it be better than the pre-amp in my Yammy?

Anyone?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Jello

Upgraditis has got to me again and I need to spend some $$$
Years ago I retired my old Dual and now want to get something half decent. The stereo shop that I buy most of my stuff from only has a AT-PL120 Audio Technica, a old Thorens used and some other crap. I think there are better.

I live in Canada so any Canadian links are a bonus. I see that Technics are a favorite.

I "think" I want a turntable that I don't have to flip the belt for 33>45 and back. If there was something that comes without a cartridge that would be okay if you could recommend one and keep it under a grand.

EDIT: I also have a NAD phono preamp ... would it be better than the pre-amp in my Yammy?

Anyone?

Try American Sound of Canada on Yonge St. in Richmond Hill. They are without a doubt the best source for turntables in the GTA.

I don't know where you got the idea that the Technics is a favourite. Certainly not from the turntable afficionados here. The Technics is a fave for the DJ crowd, but you can do better than that in your price range. I'd start looking at the Pro-ject and Rega line of turntables, which both offer TT's in the entry-level category. Check these sites for some info, but remember, the prices are quoted in U.S. $'s.

Acoustic Sounds
MusicDirect
ElusiveDisc
Jerry Raskin's Needle Doctor

And yes, keep your NAD phono pre-amp, it is certainly better than the built-in phone stage of your receiver.

John

[richteer]

I echo John's sentiments. The only thing I would add is that although the NAD phonostage is likely to be better than the one in your receiver, you will probably do well to upgrade it (the phonostage) after you get your turntable.

The current issue of TAS (The Absolute Sound) has reviews on some budget phonostages that will suit you well.

[dobyblue]

If you're downtown you can also check out the Pro-Ject line at Bay Bloor Radio, but you won't get much in the way of demos out of them, they usually don't leave cartidges in.

I don't know what CDN list pricing is, but they had the Pro-Ject Xpression for $699 and the Pro-Ject Xperience for $999

[Johnny Vinyl]

Check this review and CDN pricing on the Pro-ject 1 Xpression from 6moons.com

With the added Pro-ject Speedbox, you'll have just what you're looking for!

John

[Jello]

Well I have changed my thoughts on the price range due to the fact that I want a turntable that will sound better than a cd. For cd's I have the ps3 and an Oppo. I am thinking $1k will sound good, but not better. How much would I need to spend to get that WOW this really does sound better than cd's? I am looking for the sweet spot and would love a $5k table but can't afford that.

Thank you all for your input.

[dearth]

Rega RP1 - Love mine!

[quickdraw]

I think since Fluance has thrown their hat in the turntable ring, you can purchase a very decent table for $500 that can compete against the more recognizable brands for half the cost with essentially the same or better features. Their top of the line turntable is the RT85 and features a 3 lb. acrylic platter with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge included. The cartridge alone retails for around $240 alone which makes this an incredible deal IMO considering the quality of the deck itself. The turntable is servo controlled and belt driven, which results in low wow and flutter and also features a speed (rpm) dial, eliminating the need to physically move the belt on the motor spindle commonly seen on other belt driven turntables, especially in this price category.

I have the RT83 which features a cast aluminum platter and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, which I ended up upgrading to the acrylic platter. The cartridge is still great, but in hindsight, I probably should have bit the bullet and just purchased the RT85 for a few bucks more. I've been very happy with the deck however and marvel at the fit and finish of the product. It sounds fantastic and have verified the wow and flutter with a turntable phone app.

Although I would't call them drawbacks, but a couple of quirks with this turntable is that it only has 3 feet, which sounds weird, but when it comes to leveling the plynth, actually makes a lot of sense. It doesn't affect the stability of the deck at all though, since the mass of the plynth is quite stout. The feet are actuated, spring loaded rubber with a screw feature allowing it to raise or lower the plynth on each of the 3 feet independantly. The other kinda weird feature is that it is advertised as semi-automatic, which means the platter stops spinning after about a dozen revolutions once the needle hits the runout track on a record. It doesn't return the tonearm back to its resting column, but just sits there until you manually return the tonearm to its resting position. I assume it's to prevent unnecessary wear to the needle if you forget to turn it off or leave the room. Again, not a deal breaker, just a little weird.

Andrew Robinson did an extensive review of this deck on his YouTube channel a while back if you're interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yaj1Mhj8mo4